HIV rates in Ireland are rising with the number of people living with the infection almost double the
European average.
New diagnoses increased to 476 this year, compared with 447 in the same period of 2018.
Those numbers have not been seen since the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s.
This is happening despite the introduction of a PrEP prevention programme last month.
Its full roll-out will be implemented next year and will provide free prescriptions and screenings for those enrolled.
To mark World Aids Day, Health Minister Simon Harris paid tribute to the partnerships between service providers and community groups which have resulted in the introduction of PrEP as well as Ireland signing up to a global HIV Fast Track Cities initiative.
He said: “Today is a day when we take stock of where we are in the fight against HIV.
“The most significant development in 2019 was, of course, the start of a PrEP programme which will reduce the number of people who contract HIV in future.
"This is a landmark programme and a welcome addition.” Minister for Health Promotion Catherine Byrne said the Government must work harder to reduce stigma.
She added: “This day provides us with an opportunity to remember those who have been lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and to remind ourselves of the need to keep focusing on what we can do to strengthen our efforts in prevention and support for those living with HIV.”
Noel Donnellon, from group ACT UP Dublin, yesterday said the PrEP programme is already proving popular.
He added: “It hasn’t gone to full roll out yet but some people clinically eligible in the programme can take part and we’re seeing good take-up.”
