Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Men who have sex with Men (MSM) and blood donations.

Summary

The request sought the number of HIV-positive residents on the Isle of Man and the status of legislation regarding blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM). The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed that 40 people are currently under care for HIV and confirmed that new testing protocols adopted recently will allow for a re-evaluation of MSM donation laws in 2021.

Key Facts

• There are currently 40 people living with HIV under care in Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) on the Isle of Man.
• The exact number of HIV-positive residents is difficult to determine as some individuals seek testing and care off-island.
• The Isle of Man has recently adopted Nucleic Acid Tests for HIV, which were previously unavailable.
• A departmental paper regarding MSM blood donation eligibility will be considered by the DHSC Executive Team during 2021.
• The UK previously changed its MSM blood donation laws due to new testing protocols that the Isle of Man could not implement at the time.

Data Disclosed

• 40
• 2020-12-28
• 2021-01-12
• 2021
• 1615741

Original Request

Question 1: How many residents are currently positive for HIV on the Isle of Man? Question 2: What's the status on changing the law to allow MSM people to give blood? Is a change in law likely to happen in the near future?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Interim Chief Executive: Kathryn Magson Freedom of Information Team Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3QA

Tel: (01624) 642621 Email: dhsc@foi.gov.im Website: www.gov.im/dhsc

Our ref: 1615741 12th January 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on the 28th December 2020 and states:

“Question 1: How many residents currently are positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on the Isle of Man? Question 2: What's the status on changing the law to allow Men who have sex with Men (MSM) people to give blood? Is a change in law likely to happen in the near future?”

Our response: Question 1: How many residents currently are positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on the Isle of Man? The exact number is always difficult as people can choose to go off island for testing and onward care. Currently, in Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) we are caring for 40 people living with HIV. Question 2: What's the status on changing the law to allow Men who have sex with Men (MSM) people to give blood? Is a change in law likely to happen in the near future? Historically, the UK changed the law due to a new testing protocol for HIV that was impossible to implement on the IOM at the time. We have recently adopted these tests (Nucleic Acid Tests) and this will allow us to re-evaluate our position on MSM donations.

A departmental paper will be considered by the DHSC Executive Team during 2021 and we hope to see some progress shortly after that paper. Please quote the reference number 1615741 in any future communications.

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I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely