Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV charity, Positive Life, has urged the public to look after their sexual health by wearing a condom as Covid-19 restrictions ease.

The organisation which supports people affected by HIV in Northern Ireland says it is fully aware that since the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions last year, people have been hooking up following long periods of sexual inactivity.

Positive Life

As this year’s Sexual Health Week gets underway (7 – 13 February), Positive Life is encouraging anyone resuming their sex life to take control of their sexual health and practice safe sex.

The charity acknowledges that the topic of HIV has been thrust into the public domain through recent TV dramas and celebrity case studies, but more work needs to be done to improve our understanding of the condition.

A recently commissioned survey by Positive Life, which had over 1,000 respondents, emphasised the high levels of HIV-related stigma that continues to persist in Northern Ireland. For example:

39% of respondents would not approve of a family member dating someone with HIV;
22% of respondents would not approve of someone with HIV looking after their child;
71% of respondents believe that more should be done in schools to improve understandings of HIV.

This year’s Sexual Health Week follows the publication of the Public Health Agency’s latest sexual health figures which show a 5% decline in new HIV cases. However, Positive Life say this should be met with caution given that the report concluded that due to a reduction in STI testing in Northern Ireland, the potential exists for an increase in the transmission of STIs in the months ahead.

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said: “We all need to get real. People have sex and enjoy it. We have to be grown-up about it.

“Modern technology, hook-up apps, and the natural desire to have fun following previous lockdowns will no doubt mean an increase in sexual encounters. Most people now understand the importance of wearing a mask and sanitising their hands when out in public. We need to make sure that this degree of caution extends to sexual health practices.

“It is concerning that recent statistics published by the Public Health Agency suggest there has been an increase in the number of people living with an undiagnosed STI. More needs to be done to ensure that the public know how to look after their sexual health, where to get tested, and that the appropriate resources are available to facilitate education, awareness raising and support services.”

“Your sexual health is just as important as your physical and mental health and we need to become comfortable with taking it just as seriously.”