Scotland to develop new HIV Action Plan, public health minister says

An HIV charity has welcomed confirmation that Scotland is to develop a new action plan for tackling the virus.

The Terence Higgins Trust said that the new blueprint would provide a “renewed focus” to efforts to eliminate transmission of the virus in Scotland by 2030.

Public health minister Maree Todd explained that a dedicated HIV Action Plan for Scotland would build on “significant progress” made by Scotland in tackling the virus.

But she added it was “vital” such work “continues to receive dedicated focus”.

Welcoming the announcement, Alan Eagleson, head of the Terence Higgins Trust Scotland said: “The development of a new HIV Action Plan will provide renewed focus as we work towards our national goal to end new transmissions of HIV in Scotland by 2030.

“This opportunity is historic – get it right and Scotland could be the first country in the world to end the HIV epidemic.

“If achieved, it will be the first virus to have transmissions stopped without a vaccine or a cure.”

The Scottish Government has already rolled out opt-out testing for HIV to A&E departments – with Ms Todd saying they are “committed to continuing” this over the next five years.

The Government is also looking to expand access to PrEP – medication which can reduce the risk of contracting HIV – and run a “successful public anti-stigma campaign”, she added.

The public health minister continued: “The next phase of our work will include a successor to the HIV Transmission Elimination Delivery Plan, complementing our wider approach to sexual health and blood borne viruses.

“I look forward to working with stakeholders to develop this plan over the coming months.”

Mr Eagleson said: “The commitment to a new standalone HIV Action Plan is extremely welcome and we are grateful that the Scottish Government has heard our calls.”

He continued: “A new plan will be vital in driving forward the action needed to diagnose people earlier, improve access to prevention tools – like PrEP, its new injectable formulation and rapid HIV testing – and ensure that everyone living with HIV in Scotland can access the treatment, care and support they need to live well, free of stigma.

“We look forward to working with the Government, public health and our sector partners to turn this ambition into action.

“Together we will ensure that the voices of people living with HIV in Scotland are at the heart of the plan and influence every action.”