HIV on the rise in Ireland

[Lionel Ritchie]

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".

[geysir]

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.