The Scottish government announced plans to eliminate HIV transmissions by 2030
By: Anttoni Numminen
Marischal College - Photograph: The Gaudie
Aberdeen landmark Marischal College has tonight been lit up in red to mark World AIDS Day which is celebrated on 1 December and is an opportunity to show support to those living with HIV and to raise awareness of the work that still needs to be done.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett said: “Despite the significant advances that have been made thousands of people are diagnosed with HIV each year in the UK. We need to raise awareness and fight the discrimination and stigma associated with HIV, which is why Aberdeen City Council is a Fast Track City. By working in partnership, we want to end new HIV transmissions, ensure people living with HIV are on effective treatment and to eliminate HIV-related stigma by 2030.”
Today the Scottish government also announced plans for ending HIV transmissions by 2030 in Scotland.
The transmission elimination proposal will be developed alongside other measures to prevent transmission, including free condom provision, widening access to medication that prevents HIV infection, increasing testing capacity and measures to prevent people from sharing needles.
Public Health Minister, Joe FitzPatrick, said: “Scotland has made huge progress in detecting and treating HIV, and people with the virus are now able to live long, happy and healthy lives. […]
“I believe we can go further and that the goal of eliminating HIV transmission is now in sight.”
According to figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), one million people die from HIV every year because they either do not know they have it, are not on treatment or start treatment too late.
The WHO also launched a campaign to end the stigmatization of those who have HIV, with posters such as the one on the right. In a Tweet, the WHO said “#HIV doesn't spread through a hug or handshake. BUT hugs and handshakes increase the risk of #COVID19 infections spreading, so during this pandemic, show you care from a distance!”
Image: Courtesy of WHO
