HIV Ireland
NewsDesk Weekly
28 October 2016
HIV
HPSC - Weekly HIV & STIs Report - Week 42, 2016
Latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show a total of 12 new cases for week 42 - 2016, bringing the total to 419 HIV new notifications for 2016 to date.
Research reveals accidental making of ‘Patient Zero’ myth during 1980s AIDS crisis
Cambridge University, 26 October 2016
A combination of historical and genetic research reveals the error and hype that led to the coining of the term ‘Patient Zero’ and the blaming of one man for the spread of HIV across North America.
Tests of online PrEP purchases by London clinic find no fakes, and adequate drug levels
Aidsmap, 27 October 2016
Sexual health clinic 56 Dean Street in London has tested people who had been using PrEP drugs bought on line and has found adequate levels of medication in their blood, and no sample suggesting counterfeit drugs.
We should follow Norway's lead on PrEP – they don't make gay men feel like a burden on the state
UK Independent, 24 October 2016
Norway aren’t only making PrEP available, they’re also making it available free of charge. It sends an important message that there is no shame and no embarrassment in taking the drug.
'My career would have ended': Gay former NRL referee opens up on his battle with HIV - and why he never revealed his illness when he was still officiating
Daily Mail, 23 October 2016
A gay retired NRL referee says that if he had disclosed his HIV positive status he would have had 'no chance' of a career. He has now revealed his story hoping to help ending the stigma surrounding HIV.
Council's bus survey asks residents if they are HIV or trans: Locals lefts baffled by questionnaire on plan to move station
Daily Mail, 24 October 2016
Suffolk County Council questionnaire about traffic problems in the area contained controversial questions.
French study reveals the growing complexity of medical needs as people with HIV age
Aidsmap, 25 October 2016
International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow: Health professionals need to take in consideration the connection between multi-morbidities and age related conditions in HIV patients.
Trial asked for HIV-positive man who infected 30 women
ANSA, 21 October 2016
The man faces charges of "grievous and incurable bodily harm" against the women, and four charges of indirect contagion including an infant.
University sells HIV testing kits in vending machine
Fox News, 25 October 2016
Students at a Chinese university now have the option to test themselves for HIV at their convenience, as they can now purchase affordable testing kits in vending machines.
Report recommending PrEP use in Scotland published
HIV Scotland, 25 October 2016
Scotland's Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework (SHBBV) has approved a report recommending PrEP for use in Scotland.
200% rise in HIV tests in Southern Trust
Lurgan Mail, 28 October 2016
Northern Ireland: According to the latest figures, record numbers of local people are being tested for HIV.
Israeli Pilot Program Will Provide Free HIV-Prevention Medication to At-Risk Groups
The Tower, 28 October 2016
The Israeli Health Ministry will begin a pilot program next month that will provide free HIV-prevention medication to at-risk population groups.
Nanotechnology gives us new hopes of improved HIV drug therapies
The Health Site, 24 October 2016
A new research carried out at the University of Liverpool has examined the use of nanotechnology to improve the absorption of HIV medications.
What Is a Therapeutic HIV Vaccine?
The Body, 17 October 2016
Therapeutic HIV vaccine is designed to improve the body's immune response to HIV in a person who is already infected with HIV.
Research showing cardiac risk for HIV drug results in FDA warning
Medical Xpress, 28 October 2016
A newly published study has shown that an antiviral drug commonly used to treat HIV can cause heart abnormalities in people who have a genetic mutation in the enzyme that metabolizes the medication, potentially leading to sudden cardiac death.
HIV May Hide in Tissues, Even After Treatment
Health Day, 26 October 2016
According to University of California researchers, while HIV treatment eliminates detectable levels of the virus in the blood, HIV in the tissues could still contribute to the development of conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Hepatitis
What Are the Hepatitis C Genotypes?
The Body, 24 October 2016
Doctors recognize six major genotypes. Distinct types are often clustered in certain parts of the world and distributed elsewhere through migration.
Drugs
Union of Students in Ireland launch drug information campaign
Drugs.ie, 26 October 2016
Minister of State for Health Catherine Byrne, TD has officially launched a new harm reduction information campaign aimed at students. The campaign has been developed by the Union of Students of Ireland in partnership with Drugs.ie and the HSE.
See also:
Rural Addiction: drugs are rife, hope is thin on the ground
The Irish Times, 25 October 2016
LGBT
Mary McAleese: I want my grandchildren to grow up in world where homophobia has been completely dismantled
Irish Examiner, 26 October 2016
The former president of the Republic of Ireland has spoken in Belfast against homophobia, and has condemned ‘conversion therapies’.
STIs
National Guidelines For Prevention And Control Of Gonorrhoea And For Minimising The Impact Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
HPSC, 4 October 2016
The new guidelines will be implemented in the context of the National Sexual Health Strategy, and broader national and regional strategies for STIs prevention and control.
High rates of unplanned pregnancy and STIs among youth with mental health needs
Medical Xpress, 24 October 2016
A new study presented at the latest International Early Psychosis Association shows that young people attending mental health services have unmet sexual health issues.
All you need to know about STIs – no matter what age you are
The Irish Times, 25 October 2016
Sex education may be aimed at the under-25s, but all ages need to get tested and understand the risks.
Fewer people using sexual health clinics despite rise in STIs like syphilis and gonorrhoea
Daily Mail, 19 October 2016
The number of people in England who sought help from family planning and sexual health clinics has gone down four per cent in the last year.
Sexual Health
Enda Kenny thinks we need a 'national conversation about pornography'
The Journal, 27 October 2016
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said that some of Ireland’s youth is being “tainted and corrupted” by pornography and that a “national conversation” is needed on the issue.
Sex Work
Dublin Lives: Transgender student reveals the life of a sex worker
Dublin Live, 22 October 2016
"We don't need to be 'saved', we need our rights": Dublin student and sex worker explains her job choice, and talks about safety issues and sex workers’ rights.
Minister Eoghan Murphy Rejects The Swedish Model On Sex Work In Hot Press Interview
Hot Press, 26 October 2016
Eoghan Murphy, Junior Minister for Finance, has spoken against the so called Swedish model on prostitution.