A number of political party leaders underwent HIV tests today to raise awareness for World AIDS Day this Saturday.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan and co-leader of the Social Democrats Róisín Shortall took the test together, to show how quick and easy HIV testing can be.
The global theme of World AIDS Day is 'Know Your Status'.
It aims to highlight that HIV can affect anyone regardless of gender, sexuality or age.
HIV Ireland says that Ireland is facing the prospect of new HIV diagnoses topping 500 for the second time in three years.
Provisional figures for 2018 indicate that there have been 459 new HIV diagnoses in Ireland, 26 ahead of this time last year, which equates to over ten new infections per week.
The organisation is calling on the Government to take action to reverse the upward trend in new diagnoses by implementing prevention services, and increasing resources for those living with HIV.
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