April 2011 HIV and The Criminal Law Seminar at NUI Galway

A public seminar on the topic HIV and the criminal law: combating stigma through science will take place next Tuesday, 3 May in NUI Galway. People who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have, or are believed to have, put others at risk of acquiring HIV may be prosecuted in many countries. This great intrusion by the law into the lives of HIV-positive individuals in addition to issues regarding confidentiality, discriminatory treatment of certain individuals, and regarding HIV and sex education in schools have become a major concern for many people involved in HIV prevention and treatment, as well as those who provide all kinds of support for HIV-positive people. Dr Grace McCormack from the School of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, NUI Galway says; "The incidence of HIV in Ireland has increased dramatically since 1999 and we should all be aware of issues surrounding this infectious disease. This public seminar on criminalisation of HIV transmission is relevant to the public, to health care professionals, and to scientists who track the spread and evolution of the disease" This public seminar will take place in the MRI Annex, NUI Galway on Tuesday, 3 May, 2011 at 5.30 pm. The seminar will be given by Edwin J Bernard, who is a writer, editor and advocate specialising in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-related issues and is being held as part of the 18th International Conference on HIV Dynamics and Evolution, hosted by Dr Grace McCormack and Dr Simon Travers of NUI Galway at the Radisson Blue hotel from 1 to 4 May, 2011. "This is the first time this international conference has been held in Ireland and the seminar has been designed to bridge the gap between science and the public in this important area". For further information please contact Grace McCormack on 086 1003023 or email grace.mccormack@nuigalway.ie -Ends-