The Irish government has announced a fully funded PrEP programme. It will be introduced in selected STI clinics from November 2019, and nationwide in 2020.
- Funding of €5.4 million has been made available. Those who attend an approved service, are found to be at substantial risk for HIV and meet the clinical eligibility criteria will be able to access PrEP free of charge through community pharmacies.
- National standards and clinical management guidance have also been published, and are available at https://www.sexualwellbeing.ie
- PrEP will be supplied within a holistic prevention service which includes regular monitoring and testing, and advice and counselling on safer sex.
An assessment by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) found that introduction of a PrEP programme would be cost-saving.
"PrEP is just one element of our response to reducing HIV rates; we’ve also prioritised increasing awareness and HIV testing. With this combined approach we reach the people we need to reach and bring down HIV rates in Ireland," said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said: "Today is a really important milestone. For decades we have confined conversations about HIV to the shadows. Those living with HIV have felt stigmatised and shamed."
"Today, all that changes. From next month, the State will introduce a PrEP programme and confront the increase in cases of HIV in a real and practical way."
"I also hope it will also be the beginning of a new conversation about HIV and one that those living with it are at the centre of."
