HIV on the rise in Ireland

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pete

In the original linked article although possibly not surprising very high percentage of African people affected with HIV. Does any one know if other countries medically screen immigrants. I am not suggesting it but would be surprised if some country was not doing it.

South Africa has a huge HIV/AIDs problem & condoms are free in the post offices. Ireland should provide similar system as would cost little (bulk purchase generic brand) & I can't see a downside. Morning after pill should be available direct from Pharmacy, no need for GP involvement as he/she is unlikely to deny & no guarantee woman is even a regular patient.

---

I personally don't have a problem with screening economic migrants but I'd have a problem with any form of cherry-picking genuine asylum seekers.

South Africa and sub-saharan Africa in general has a huge problem in facing up to the HIV/Aids crisis. Local mythologies such as belief that unprotected sex with a virgin can cure the infection are common and you have a situation where the president of SA believes eating Garlic can "keep it at bay".

The bulk of the rise in nr. of HIV+ has to do with migrants.
It should also be noted that according to figures published
the fears that this has had any effect on the numbers of Irish born HIV+, are not supported by the evidence.
12 Irish born hetros (8 males 4 females), less than previous 1/2 year figures, were newly diagnosed. Figures for other routes of transmission, IDU and male homosexual contact, are also less or similar to previous time periods.