A groundbreaking campaign to introduce a drug to reduce HIV infections in Scotland has won the Cracking Campaign award at the Scottish Charity Awards
HIV Scotland has won the Cracking Campaign award at the Scottish Charity Awards 2018 after winning the battle to make a life-saving drug available to people at risk of infection.
The charity’s PrEP for Scotland campaign was recognised as an outstanding contribution to sexual health in Scotland. Scotland is now the only part of the UK to make pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) available through regular sexual health services.
Around 1,200 people who are at high risk of HIV are currently taking the drug, and not one new infection has been report.
George Valiotis, chief executive of HIV Scotland, said: “The PrEP for Scotland campaign shaped a public health solution that has changed people’s lives. The campaign united the full diversity of people affected by HIV, with every level of decision making in Scotland. Working within this outstanding level of cooperation felt like a victory, to have it recognised by this prestigious award is an exceptional achievement for all involved."
Organised annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the amazing work that people within charities and community groups do every day, all over the country, to help those in need and raise awareness of important causes.
Andrew Burns, Convener of SCVO, said: “A huge congratulations to our winners and all of this year’s finalists. Each of the 40 individuals and organisations shortlisted make a huge difference to the communities they work with, and I’m delighted that we have been able to bring the third sector together to both recognise and celebrate their achievements. We received over 13,000 votes for the People’s Choice Award so I would also like to thank all those who contributed to the evening by voting for their favourite charity. A wonderful night had by all.”
This year 40 finalists were shortlisted, with one charity winning two awards, and an additional two finalists receiving special commendations for their work.
