Updated HIV services directory launched

The second edition of the HIV Services Directory was launched today at the opening of the HIV Services Network conference in Dublin today.

The new edition is being funded by the Health Promotion Unit and contains updated information, contacts and needle exchange services within the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA).

"The total number of HIV infections in Ireland is now at 2,802, we therefore must not become complacent. Minister for State at the Department of Health, Mr Brian Lenihan.

A website to guide users to the nearest HIV or sexual screening centre in each region has also been introduced.

The aim of the conference is to provide information on prevention and treatment of Hepatitis C (HCV) and HCV/HIV co-infection.

"There were 299 new HIV cases reported in 2001, compared with 290 in 1999 and for the first half of 2002 newly reported cases amount to 157," the Minister for State at the Department of Health, Mr Brian Lenihan, said at the launch.

"The total number of HIV infections in Ireland is now at 2,802, we therefore must not become complacent," he added.