79 per cent of MLAs surveyed agree that the Department of Health should introduce a Sexual Health Strategy for Northern Ireland. Furthermore, the same percentage of MLAs believe that the Strategy should include a commitment to the World Health Organisation’s target of zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030.
The survey results, released to coincide with Northern Ireland’s Sexual Health Week (13-19 February), were commissioned by HIV charity Positive Life and collated by Savanta.
Chief Executive of Positive Life, Jacquie Richardson, says that although the World Health Organisation’s target might seem ambitious, Northern Ireland has the potential to meet it, particularly with this show of support from MLAs.
She explains: “I’m extremely pleased to see MLAs view the World Health Organisation’s 2030 target as a health priority for Northern Ireland, and agree that HIV should be factored into a Sexual Health Strategy. HIV remains a major public health issue for all constituencies with the most recent data showing that 76 new diagnoses were made in 2021, and unless we bridge the gap between risk of infection and a positive diagnosis HIV will continue to increase year-on-year. The missing link? Education.
“Education is crucial if we want people to take ownership of their sexual health. We all have sex, so we also need to recognise the importance of looking after our sexual health, including prevention of HIV and other STIs. I believe we need to empower and enable people to use the appropriate protection and engage with testing services regularly.
“Testing leads to prompt diagnosis, which is critical in preventing onward transmission. When considering HIV specifically, early treatment means most people living with the condition will lead long and healthy lives, and even become undetectable, meaning the virus can no longer be transmitted which is key to reaching the World Health Organisation’s 2030 target.”
Informing Choices NI campaigns alongside Positive Life to end the stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health. Its Director of Advocacy and Policy, Ruairi Rowan, echoed Jacquie’s thoughts on MLA support.
He said: “Sexual Health Week is an important reminder that everyone has the right to access high-quality information, education, and accessible sexual and reproductive services to meet their needs. It’s encouraging to see that MLAs are aligned in this belief, and we look forward to working with them to achieve a Sexual Health Strategy. Meanwhile, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights must be introduced across all schools in Northern Ireland, and we urge the Secretary of State to ensure this is delivered without delay.
“We will continue our work with Positive Life to end the stigma surrounding sexual health, and to ensure that our children and young people are provided with the information and support they need to make informed choices.”
Positive Life recently introduced the workplace education programme, Positive About HIV, enabling businesses and organisations to better understand HIV, and be supportive of employees living with or affected by the condition. The offering is significant as HIV remains hugely misunderstood, yet continues to impact people across the province with 1324 known to be living with a diagnosis.
Jacquie continued: “HIV is still surrounded by many myths, so our education programme fills an important void as we await a Sexual Health Strategy. We’re calling on the corporate community to take a leading role alongside us as we challenge negative stereotypes, and campaign for service users who often feel powerless against these unfounded and dangerous myths left behind since the 1980’s. For instance, some people still assume that AIDS and HIV are the same thing and many more still believe HIV only affects our gay community.
“Despite the stereotypes that surround the condition, HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender or age so we should all make sure that we know the facts. There is no need to feel embarrassed about your sexual health and wellbeing – in fact being in charge of it is commendable. As the World Health Organisation’s ambition shows, it’s time our attitudes towards sex change and we create a more sex positive culture – a culture that celebrates openness and encourages safety.”
The World Health Organisation’s goal is to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Global HIV targets come from the Sustainable Development Goals, UNAIDS’ 2025 targets, and the 2021 UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS. Whilst progress has been made towards global targets, particularly in relation to HIV treatment and care, the world is off track to reach the 2030 goal. To get there, WHO recommends that more people need to be able to access HIV testing and prevention services.
