Press Releases
'Complacency surrounding the risks of HIV infection must be tackled' – O'Malley
Progressive Democrats TD Fiona O'Malley is calling on the media, politicians, religious and social groups to unite in a bid to tackle the ignorance that still surrounds the dangers of HIV/AIDS and to target campaigns at young women in particular.
Deputy O'Malley made the call to mark World AIDS Day. New figures released show the rate of new infections diagnosed annually in the Republic having risen by 243% since 1998.
'These figures are frightening. Complacency still surrounds this whole area of sexual health and young women in particular appear ignorant of the dangers involved. They are putting themselves at risk of HIV infection by having unprotected sex.'
'Our traditional head in the sand approach to sex education in this country continues to haunt us,' according to O'Malley.
'International studies repeatedly show that empowering young people with quality information about relationships, and sexual health is a key component in tackling HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The more educated and more aware young people are, particularly young women, the less likely they are to have unprotected sex.'
'We need to commit serious investment in our sexual health programmes. All elements of the health sector must re-double efforts to communicate effectively a safe sex message.
The “sex is wrong” approach, which has dominated our thinking for so many years, is out of touch with the needs and behaviour of young people and has consequently met with little success.
'In developing programmes for young people on issues of sexual health, we must fully engage with to ensure these programmes are accessible and appropriate to their particular needs.'
While the Crisis Pregnancy Agency has been established to help reduce the instance of crisis pregnancy and there are individual sexual health strategies with in Health Boards, there is still a need for more comprehensive direction at a national level.'
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