Watch: Taoiseach takes HIV test to mark World Aids Day
The Taoiseach has taken an HIV test to mark World Aids Day.
It is part of a campaign with GCN magazine, to raise awareness and encourage people to know their HIV status.
Leo Varadkar posted a video on Twitter of him taking the test, saying it is important to remove any stigma from testing.
It’s #WorldAIDSDay and this year’s theme is #KnowYourStatus. I’ve teamed up with @GCNMag to help reduce stigma and save lives.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) December 1, 2018
Here’s where you can get tested to know your status: https://t.co/7VwDKuAksX #WAD2018 pic.twitter.com/3z5764gAkw
Meanwhile Sinn Féin wants the government to support an Irish memorial to the victims of AIDS.
Senator Fintan Warfield is the party's spokesman on LGBTQI rights.
He hopes a physical site can help fight prejudice at a time when rates of HIV transmission are on the rise again.
"Significant advances have been made in methods of treatment and in prevention but we can do more." he said.
"There are tangible steps that the government should be taking to ensure that people know their status, that we reduced stigma and that the current trend of rising transmission rates is reversed
