HIV Ireland is currently one of just a few organisations raising awareness about HIV in Ireland, and as such is in a key position to influence Government policy in the area of HIV and sexual health. A key objective of our current Strategic Plan is “To inform and influence policy around issues concerning HIV prevention and sexual health and around the lives of people living with HIV.”
HIV Ireland has a long history of campaigning for the rights of people living with HIV, and has consistently engaged in policy development while lobbying and campaigning in the promotion of human rights. While the growing emergence of partnership models has provided a platform for greater dialogue between statutory and voluntary agencies, the need for active lobbying remains crucial.
HIV Ireland places a strong emphasis on research and an evidence-informed approach (both national and international) when presenting key policy issues and positions. We operate under an ethos of equality and are committed to making a positive contribution towards a humane and just society. HIV Ireland strives to ensure an environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination while further enabling people living with HIV to experience dignity and respect at all times. It is our policy to ensure the inclusiveness of the voices and experiences of people living with HIV when working on any policy issues that affect HIV-positive people.
There are a range of policy frameworks, strategies, and political commitments that guide and drive the HIV response nationally, regionally, and globally. The main policies are:
- National Sexual Health Strategy
- Healthy Ireland – A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025
- National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021
- Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025 – a health lead response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland
- Second National Intercultural Health Strategy 2018-2023
- 90-90-90 (UNAIDS strategy)
- Fast-Track Cities initiative
- Dublin Declaration on Partnership to fight HIV and AIDS in Europe and Central Asia
- The Global Goals (officially known as the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs)
#NowMoreThanEver: Irish AIDS Day 2020
To coincide with Irish AIDS Day 2020, HIV Ireland launched “Now, more than ever…”, a set of priorities to highlight the urgent need to end HIV and HIV-related stigma through planning and investment in key HIV prevention measures.
HIV Manifesto: General Election 2020
In the run-up to the General Election 2020, HIV Ireland published a HIV Manifesto calling on the next Government to deliver on key policy and strategic commitments to end new HIV transmissions, combat stigma, and improve services for people living with HIV.
#5Asks: HIV Ireland asks for political commitments to drive the HIV response in Ireland
To mark the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day 2018, HIV Ireland launched its #5Asks campaign. A political briefing was held on 28th November 2018 in the AV Room in Dáil Éireann, and a key framework document was published asking for political commitments to prioritise and accelerate the response to the growing HIV crisis in Ireland.