It’s time to start dispelling misconceptions around HIV

The ‘You, Me and HIV’ campaign was launched in January of 2025 and aims to tackle misconceptions surrounding a HIV diagnosis in order to help reduce the stigma experienced by people living with HIV across Ireland.

This stigma can mean people put off testing or treatment, which can lead to a  a late diagnosis. The earlier someone with HIV starts treatment, the better, meaning it is crucial to foster open conversations surrounding the topic in order to alleviate these feelings. 

This nationwide campaign was developed by the HSE with the Poz Vibe Tribe, a social enterprise and community of people living with HIV  as well as other community and voluntary groups.

23-year-old nursing student Adrian Duggan was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 17 after going to the doctor for an STI test. 

“It was quite a shock,” he told JOE.

“I had gone to my GP to get an STI test. I got all these missed calls from the GP’s office; I think from that point I kind of knew something was wrong. My doctor brought me into her office and she told me that I was HIV positive. When I heard that, I kind of just tuned out.” 

Adrian continued  by saying how there were definitely feelings of fear, apprehension and shame following this news.

“As well as me not knowing a lot about HIV my dad’s idea of what HIV was was based off his lived experience of being in the 80s living in New York.” 

“He was also scared,” said Adrian.

Adrian cited how important his dad’s support was once the news had settled. The father-son duo are very close. Adrian’s dad, Pat, is a builder and he tends to help him out on jobs. 

“He brought me to my first appointment,” Adrian told JOE, “which I think was really important because it was overwhelming and to have him there made all the difference.”

Speaking to JOE Pat said how when he lived in New York HIV and AIDS were “rampant” there. 

“It was a very, very sad time because an awful lot of people died.”

“And it was tough because there was a stigma too it as well,”

He continued by noting how “that has all changed now thanks to medication and thanks to treatment.”

Pat cited how proud he was that his son is helping to raise awareness that you can live a normal, healthy life with a HIV diagnosis. 

“So many people are not aware of that,” said Pat.

He is not wrong. A survey done only last year showed that 71% of Irish adults were unaware that a person who is on effective HIV treatment cannot pass HIV to sexual partners. 

At its core, the You, Me and HIV campaign hopes to remedy these misconceptions. By  dispelling these outdated perceptions, HIV activists like Adrian hope to show people that you can still live a full life with a HIV diagnosis. 

You can watch our full conversation with Adrian and Pat here.

For more information of HIV treatment and living well with HIV you can visit HSE.ie/HIV to learn more.

For more information on preventing HIV, visit HIV prevention.