The widening gap between treatment progress and resources
Advances in HIV treatment over the past two decades have dramatically changed the prognosis for people living with the virus. Yet local resources—funding, testing, prevention, and support services—have not expanded in step with those medical gains, according to Tara Russell of the Cork Sexual Health Centre. While medicines and care protocols have improved, access to comprehensive HIV services remains uneven, particularly in certain counties where demand is rising faster than capacity.
The numbers tell a story
Twenty years ago, about 100 people in the region were living with HIV. Today, that figure is closer to 1,000. The shift reflects both better survival and an ongoing transmission challenge, underscoring the need for robust healthcare infrastructure to accompany new therapies. As the patient population grows, so does the demand for testing, counselling, ongoing treatment, and social support—areas many regions are still scaling up.
What experts are saying
Russell emphasizes that treatment has become substantially better, enabling people to live longer with HIV and reducing transmission when viral suppression is achieved. However, she cautions that “the resources haven’t been proportionally scaled up.” In her view, improvements in treatment have not always been matched by corresponding investments in prevention programs, clinic staffing, supply chains for medications, and community outreach. She notes that gaps are particularly evident in rural or underserved areas where people may face barriers to timely testing, diagnosis, and care.
Moving forward: policy and community action
To address the mismatch between medical advances and service capacity, several steps are being discussed at local and national levels:
- Boost funding for HIV testing, prevention (including PrEP access), and primary-care integration so patients can receive comprehensive care in one location.
- Expand rural and community-based outreach to ensure early testing and prompt linkage to care for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
- Strengthen workforce capacity with trained counsellors, nurses, and physicians to reduce wait times and improve adherence support.
- Improve data collection and monitoring to better anticipate demand and tailor services to changing demographics.
- Address stigma and misinformation that can deter testing and treatment uptake in some communities.
The importance of testing and ongoing care
Early diagnosis remains critical. Regular testing, timely linkage to care, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy prevent illness and reduce the risk of transmission—key elements in controlling the epidemic at the community level. In parallel, expanding prevention strategies like PrEP and education about transmission can curtail new infections while treatment programs support those already living with HIV.
A call to action for policymakers and residents
The current trajectory suggests that without concerted investment, the healthcare system may struggle to keep pace with growing patient needs. Stakeholders—including health centres, patient groups, and government agencies—must collaborate to scale up resources, ensure equitable access, and sustain momentum in HIV care and prevention. The goal is clear: translate medical advances into tangible improvements in services so all who need care can access it quickly and consistently.
