Campaign calls for full political backing
HIV and hepatitis C charity Waverley Care is urging the Scottish Government to do more to get achieve zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.
Its latest campaign, #GetToZero, is calling for everyone in Scotland to play their part in helping to reach zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.
The campaign was showcased at a reception in the Scottish Parliament.
Waverley Care wants to see members of the public getting behind the cause by taking a test and knowing their HIV status, challenging HIV stigma, and being aware of important prevention methods such as PrEP.
The event, hosted by Paul O'Kane Scottish Labour MSP for West Scotland, saw speeches from Nicky Coia (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) and Grant Sugden (Chief Executive of Waverley Care, as well as poignant stories from people living with HIV about their lives and diagnosis.
The #GetToZero campaign follows commitment from the Scottish Government that Scotland will have zero new HIV transmissions by 2030. However, the campaign is calling on the Government to do more to ensure Scotland reaches this goal.
At a point in history where Scotland could become one of the first countries in the world to end HIV transmission by 2030, Waverley Care called on the Scottish Government to act now and:
- Introduce opt-out bloodborne virus testing in emergency departments, an initiative proven to be successful in England and Wales in finding people living with undiagnosed HIV2
- Establish a Scottish National HIV testing week
- Provide universal and barrier-free access across Scotland to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for everyone who needs it.
Grant Sugden, chief executive of Waverley Care, said: “We are in real danger of falling behind England and Wales if we don’t act now. Both the Westminster and Welsh Governments have published funded HIV action plans which provide real strategic direction and investment to achieve the goals we want.
“While we have a proud history in Scotland as a global leader in HIV prevention and treatment, we still need to do so much more to challenge stigma and ensure we do all we can to end HIV transmission by 2030.”
Paul O'Kane MSP (Scottish Labour) said: “I’ve been delighted to engage with Waverley Care in the last few months firstly at a roundtable discussion and then at yesterday’s reception.
“Each of these events have been opportunities to discuss the key actions that have to be taken to challenge HIV stigma, increase HIV awareness and indeed try to reach zero HIV transmissions by 2030.
“We must continue to have those conversations and have them loudly enough so that the Scottish Government will listen and realise that the measures the #GetToZero Campaign are calling for can be delivered.
“It is our in hands to make these life changing advancements and so I’m calling on the Scottish Government to act now.”
