Like anyone else, with effective treatment, we can live long happy lives, and there is zero chance that we can pass on HIV to our sexual partner. We have partnered with the HSE to let everyone know there is nothing shameful about living with HIV,” according to Robbie Lawlor, HIV activist, speaking as the HSE launched a new campaign addressing HIV stigma in Ireland.

Part of a duo who created the podcast “Poz Vibes,” Robbie’s fellow creator Enda McGrattan, also known as drag star Veda Lady, further notes how “we need to bring healing to the community, honour our past by ending HIV stigma, and also ending HIV. Our main message is the scientific fact that once on effective treatment we can’t pass HIV on. We still need to get that message out, loud and clear, to the general public. But I do think things are finally changing in Ireland, and I feel honoured to be a part of that movement.”

'You, Me and HIV'

The HSE, in partnership with people living with HIV, recently launched ‘You, Me and HIV’ - a new nationwide campaign aimed at addressing misconceptions around HIV and help reduce the stigma. The campaign features people living with HIV in Ireland and their loved ones. It was developed in close collaboration with these individuals along with community and voluntary groups.

Contributing to the new campaign, Galway nurse and HIV activist Aoife Commins, and her father Pat Commins, have been sharing their memories of when Aoife got her HIV diagnosis. Aoife outlines how “the worst part of the diagnosis wasn’t actually being told I had HIV, because I knew I was going to be ok, and live a normal, healthy life. I think the hardest part was the stigma.”

Her father Pat however stresses that “it was really reassuring to hear that, with the medication, Aoife could go on and live a long life and have her own family too. If I could change one thing in Ireland it would be to increase public awareness and understanding of HIV.”

Ainara Pedroso and her husband Peter Thijs, both working and living in Cork, are celebrating their seventh anniversary together. They have also contributed to the campaign by sharing their story of how they fell in love just a few months after Ainara learned of her diagnosis and had started treatment.

Ainara explains that “there are many people out there from all backgrounds and genders with HIV living a normal life. You can have an absolutely normal life, you can go on to find love, and be with the right partner who loves and understands. You can go on to have children without the fear of the virus passing on to them.”

Peter adds that “growing up in Belgium and the Netherlands there was a lot of education and awareness around HIV. I knew there was no danger of transmission of the virus once you were on effective treatment. Ainara invited me to one of her medical appointments. And although I was already informed, I said it was no harm to go and ask any questions I might have. It really takes less than a minute of talking with someone who knows about HIV, or to find the evidence-based information, to clear up any doubts or concerns you might have living as partners.” 

Acknowledging the support and important role of each person taking part in the new campaign, Prof Fiona Lyons, National Clinical Lead, HSE Sexual Health Programme, outlines what they are setting out to achieve: “Thanks to the generosity, bravery and passion of Veda, Robbie, Aoife, Pat, Ainara and Peter, we are confident that ‘You, Me and HIV’ will make a real and lasting impact on the HIV-related stigma that persists in Ireland today. Through sharing their real life experiences, advice and reassurance, we are helped in addressing misconceptions. This further ensures that the wider public has the most up to date facts and information about HIV.

“Knowing your HIV status allows you to get access to essential treatment and care to live a healthy life. Advancements in treatment for HIV mean that people on effective treatment cannot pass HIV to sexual partners. In a recent survey, 71% of Irish adults were unaware of these advances in treatment. In addition, effective treatment in pregnancy prevents HIV transmission to babies.”

Research has found that late diagnosis is often related to fear of diagnosis and stigma, highlighting the need to reduce stigma around HIV and testing. The latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show a decrease in the rate of first-time HIV diagnoses in Ireland in 2023.  However, nearly two in five people - 39% - were diagnosed late.

Prof Lyons concluded by stating that “we hope the campaign will alleviate fears about getting tested for HIV or seeking treatment. Please do not delay, we are here to help you. You deserve to live a healthy and happy life like everyone else.”

 Additional information on HIV can be accessed at hse.ie/hiv