Limited access to HIV services during pandemic an ongoing concern for LGBT+ community
Closures and scaledowns of sexual health services have raised issues for HIV prevention and testing. By Lauren Boland Sunday 4 Jul 2021, 6:30 AM 8 hours ago 6,276 Views 9 Comments
Image: Shutterstock/BlurryMe
Image: Shutterstock/BlurryMe
SOME PEOPLE WHO “urgently need” the support of HIV services have not been receiving it during the pandemic as restrictions limited the accessibility of clinics.
Closures and scaledowns of sexual health services over the last 15 months have significantly impacted access to HIV testing and support, threatening to undermine progress on HIV in Ireland.
In particular, the Gay Men’s Health Service (GMHS) in Dublin has been closed or operating with reduced services since the onset of restrictions last yea
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A group of NGOs has called for people to reduce physical contact and get tested after a rise in syphilis cases was reported by the genitourinary clinic at Mater Dei.
The statement, signed by ARC - Allied Rainbow Communities, Checkpoint Malta, LGBTI+ Gozo, MGRM and Preping Malta, appeals to people to focus on having a healthy sexual life and reiterated calls for a National Sexual Health Strategy.
“We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic presents a challenging time for all members of our community. As we strive to connect with each other, we need to remain mindful of the importance of reducing physical contact in order to break the circuit and minimise the spread of COVID-19 and sexual transmitted infections (STIs). We urge any sexually active person to get tested and practise safer sex,” the NGOs said.
MGRM flags increase in syphilis cases, Malta has highest rate in Europe
2020 report finds 85 confirmed cases in Malta, making it highest rate per 100,000 population across Europe
12 March 2021, 8:10am
by Laura Calleja
The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) has flagged an increased spread of syphilis among the public, citing reports from the Mater Dei genitourinary (GU) clinic.
“We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic presents a challenging time for all members of our community. As we strive to connect, we need to remain mindful of the importance of reducing physical contact to break the circuit and minimise the spread of COVID-19 and Sexual Transmitted Infections,” the NGO said.