Stigma is still a major issue for people living with HIV, with 17% of those affected admitting that they have felt suicidal in the last year, a new survey has found.

According to the findings, one-third of people with HIV have been rejected in a relationship due to their condition, while one-quarter have said they are uncomfortable with their HIV positive status.

The ‘HIV in Ireland 2017 Survey' was carried out on behalf of HIV Ireland, a voluntary organisation which works to improve conditions for people living with, or affected by, HIV and AIDS.

According to the organisation, this is one of the ‘most significant pieces of research on stigma and HIV to be carried out in Ireland in over a decade'.

"This survey is of crucial importance in highlighting the need for policy makers and politicians to understand the impact that HIV-related stigma is having on people. When 17% of people living with HIV say they have felt suicidal in the last year, compared to a national average of 4%, it's time to open our eyes to the damage that HIV-related stigma is having on people's lives ," commented HIV Ireland's executive director, Niall Mulligan.

The survey on stigma involved almost 170 people with HIV. However a second survey of over 1,000 people without HIV was also undertaken to ascertain people's knowledge of the condition.

It found varying degrees of HIV-related knowledge, with younger people found to have poorer knowledge than older people.

Worryingly, 20% of 18-24-year-olds incorrectly thought HIV could be passed from person to person by the sharing of a public toilet seat.

A further 24% of people incorrectly thought that HIV could be transmitted by kissing, while 11% thought it could be transmitted by coughing or sneezing.

Meanwhile, 10% admitted that they would not be comfortable working with someone with HIV.

"Negative or misinformed attitudes to HIV, and towards people living with HIV, can create obstacles for people getting tested. UNAIDS estimates that across Europe, 15% of people living with HIV aren't aware of their condition. It is crucial that we remove as many barriers as possible to people getting tested. Stigma is one of those barriers," Mr Mulligan commented.

The results of the survey were launched at HIV Ireland's National HIV Conference 2017, entitled ‘HIV, Social Inclusion, Stigma and Social Policy'. The conference, which was held in Dublin, marked the 30th anniversary of HIV Ireland.

"In the 1980s and 90s, during the AIDS epidemic, there was much fear, misinformation and indignity for people living with HIV. Thirty years on, with the continued improvements in HIV treatment, the landscape has changed dramatically, with people diagnosed with HIV now living longer and healthier lives.

"It is now scientifically accepted that people living with HIV who are compliant with treatment, and have an undetectable viral load, will not pass on HIV to sexual partners. This survey gives us hope for the future when we see increased interest in HIV education within our schools, and a strong acceptance of people living with HIV," Mr Mulligan said.

However, he pointed out that the findings ‘highlight the need for increased resources' in this area. He called on the Government to urgently provide additional resources within the areas of HIV prevention, education, community testing, counselling, mediation and human rights advocacy.

For more information on HIV Ireland, click here