528 HIV diagnoses in 2018 in Ireland according to provisional HPSC data
There were 528 HIV diagnoses in 2018 in Ireland, a rate of 11.1 per 100,000 population, according to provisional data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). This is an increase of 8% compared to 2017 (n=490). It is important to note that data will change as further enhanced forms are received and the overall number of notifications in 2018 may decrease. Data on sex and age group are almost 100% complete at this stage but data on other variables such as probable route of transmission, region of origin and previous history of HIV diagnoses are not yet fully complete.
One third (32%) of the people diagnosed in Ireland in 2018 are in people who had been previously diagnosed HIV positive in another country. This information is not available yet for 36% of cases and so the proportion previously diagnosed positive is likely to rise. Among the diagnoses in 2018, 49% are among men who have sex with men (MSM) and 24% are among heterosexuals. A more detailed HIV report for 2018 will be published later this year.
As at least one third of diagnoses in Ireland are among people already known to be HIV positive, it is important to be aware that there is free access to HIV care and treatment in HIV clinics in Ireland. Early treatment helps those with HIV to lead healthy lives, and prevents transmission to others. Further information on free testing and HIV treatment is available at www.sexualwellbeing.ie and www.man2man.ie (MSM specific resource).
Please see here for slide set of provisional 2018 HIV data.