Gay rights activist Rory O'Neill is calling on all gay and bisexual people to get tested for HIV and AIDS. He has teamed up with the Gay Health Network to support the campaign "Know The Score: Get Tested".
The campaign has been launched today with an online locator map on Man2Man.ie - which makes it easy for everyone to find a free HIV or STI testing centre in their local area.
The entertainer, who is also known as 'Panti', came to international attention after making a speech on YouTube, following comments he made on an RTÉ chatshow.
The State broadcaster handed over €85,000 on the back of comments made by Mr. O'Neill on 'The Saturday Night Show'. That decision sparked hundreds of complaints.
But speaking today to the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk, he talked about his diagnosis and explained the importance of getting tested early.
A study last year showed that almost 3 in every 1,000 people tested for HIV as part of a screening programme at the Mater Hospital in Dublin were diagnosed with the infection.
The rate is regarded as high by international standards. Widespread screening is recommended for a prevalence of 1 in 1,000.
The results of the Mater-Bronx Rapid HIV Testing Project were released as part of the 2013 European HIV Testing Week.
There has been an upsurge in interest in HIV screening research since the recognition that early identification of HIV infection not only improves the outlook of those with infection but, with effective treatment, this can also prevent onward transmission of HIV.
