Ireland launches new sexual health plan to tackle rising STI rates

Ireland has unveiled a new National Sexual Health Strategy aimed at transforming access to sexual health services over the next decade. The strategy focuses on prevention, equity, and integration across the healthcare system. It covers the period from 2025 to 2035 and was launched by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor. The strategy aims to address challenges such as rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), stigma, and unequal access to care.

According to Carroll MacNeill, the strategy reflects the evolving opportunities and challenges in sexual health and outlines steps to ensure a healthier future for everyone. The strategy includes goals such as promoting sexual health education, expanding access to services, supporting reproductive choice, and strengthening surveillance and research. Immediate implementation steps are outlined in the first action plan covering 2025–2028.

Key measures include expanded access to contraception, increased availability of STI testing, and support for HIV prevention and treatment. The strategy also commits to developing a new Model of Care for sexual health services with a focus on geographic equity and integration into primary care.

The strategy also includes a commitment to support the Justice sector in preventing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. The Irish Pharmacy Union welcomed the strategy, highlighting the role of community pharmacies in delivering sexual health services.

The publication of Ireland's new strategy aligns with EU-wide priorities on sexual health. The government has committed to cross-sectoral collaboration and public engagement in shaping future action plans.