212 people were diagnosed with HIV in the first half of this year…

The shocking figures come on World AIDS day, which aims to highlight awareness of the virus.

City Hall will be lit up in redto commemorate the event, and just one of many taking place across the city.

Mary O’Shea from the Dublin AIDS Alliance told 98news that a new National Strategy is needed to promote awareness.

The Minister for Overseas Development Peter Power opened the Fr Michael Kelly Lecture for World Aids Day at the Royal College of Surgeons.

He said women were particularly vulnerable to the disease.