The 17th annual Gay Health Forum – a joint initiative by the Gay Men’s Health Service and the Gay Health Network – set to take place on Friday, May 24, has released its full programme.

Following the 8% rise in HIV diagnoses in Ireland in 2018, the focus of this year’s forum will be on HIV treatment and prevention.

“We want to focus on the broader social determinants of health which make gay and bisexual men more vulnerable in acquiring HIV and STIs.”

“Ultimately, we want to shine a spotlight on the passionate and committed efforts of the many community organisations, advocates and statutory services working towards improving the sexual health and wellbeing of our community.”

The programme is divided into five sessions: welcoming and opening presentations, the results of the European MSM internet survey, the 11th Noel Walsh memorial presentations, PrEP, and a panel discussion entitled ‘HIV: The Science and the Reality”.

Proceedings will be opened by Minister for Health Promotion and National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne TD, and the forum will feature a number of notable panelists from advocacy groups, universities and medical institutions.

This year’s forum will focus on four key messages: advocating the undetectable = untransmittable (U=U) message, making PrEP free and accessible for all, effective HIV and STI prevention work and the need for adequate funding of sexual health services.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into creating a programme that balances the expertise of local leaders with the inspiration of international keynote speakers on important and topical issues facing the sexual health and wellbeing of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

“We encourage all members of our community to attend the forum and engage in discussion.”

This year’s Gay Health Forum will take place Friday, May 24 in Dublin Castle from 9.30 am – 4pm. The event is close to being completely booked out – you can book your free ticket on their website.