Time to talk about HIV to break myths and banish outdated attitudes.
Research shows half of GPs are not up to date with HIV information
The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week (10-16 February) is Open Conversations and it aims to inspire meaningful discussions to eliminate stigma, empower people to make informed choices, and promote healthy relationships.
When it comes to breaking stigma, Northern Ireland’s only charity dedicated to HIV, Positive Life, is fully behind the drive to talk about sexual health, in order to break down ill-informed and outdated attitudes to HIV.
A recent survey of GPs in Northern Ireland has revealed that even frontline medical professionals aren’t up to date with their HIV knowledge.
Jacquie Richardson, CEO of Positive Life explained,
“Much of the stigma around HIV is based on outdated myths and ill-informed opinions. Sexual Health Week is as good a time as any to say that this has to stop: it’s time to talk about HIV.
“Modern treatment means that HIV is no longer a death sentence, as it might have been perceived in the 1980’s and 90’s. While it remains a serious condition, it can now be well managed with effective drug therapy. Most importantly, anyone on effective treatment will not pass the virus on, even through unprotected sexual contact. Modern drugs bring the virus down to such a low level that it becomes undetectable. The big message around this is that Undetectable Equals Untransmittable, U=U.”
Jacquie Richardson says that a push on public awareness about U=U, together with increased early HIV testing and diagnosis are the keys to success. She continued,
“We need to talk about this more, because the key to reducing new HIV diagnosis is to get tested, to know your status, and to access treatment as early as possible. In the same way as we go to the gym, eat well, or seek medical advice for issues with our physical or mental health, , we need to treat our sexual health with the same level of importance.”
Research conducted on behalf of Positive Life among GP surgeries across Northern Ireland has revealed that issues around understanding modern-day HIV reach right into frontline healthcare services. A survey carried out in January 2025 revealed that:
· Almost half (49%) of GP respondents said they were not aware of the most recent advancements in HIV care such as PrEP and U=U.
· 65% of GP respondents said their staff have not had HIV training.
· Only 14% of GP respondents said they were extremely confident around managing the health of a person living with HIV.
Positive Life is driving forward a United Nations-led mission, Fast Track Cities, aimed at eliminating new cases of HIV by 2030. The charity, with the support of the Public Health Agency and local councils, believes this goal is achievable in Northern Ireland.
Jacquie Richardson concluded,
“At Positive Life, we believe that it is possible for Northern Ireland to eliminate new HIV diagnoses by 2030. With a push on education and awareness, we can get more people tested and accessing treatment at the earliest opportunity.
“It’s really important that frontline healthcare staff have a sound understanding of HIV so that they can appropriately support people with their sexual health; that they will not perpetuate outdated information and further embed stigma; and that they will instill confidence and trust in their patients living with HIV.
“Come on Northern Ireland, let’s talk about our sexual health, understand U=U and break HIV stigma. With a bit of straightforward public education, I fully believe that we could be the first of the UK nations to eradicate new cases of HIV altogether.”
Positive Life offers free, confidential HIV testing in its private premises in South Belfast, as well as a range of counselling, support and wellbeing services for people living with or affected by HIV. Call the free confidential helpline on Tel: 0800 137437 or visit www.positivelifeni.com.