New Scottish HIV Action Plan

posted: 01/12/2009

Scotland’s HIV Charities have welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government’s HIV Action Plan.
 

A full review of the needs of people living with HIV, the best ways of reducing HIV provide the ground for the Scottish strategy for the next five years. This first Scottish national HIV action plan is intended to give a much needed boost to HIV awareness and prevention.
 

The latest statistics released by Health Protection Scotland show that rates of HIV diagnosis in Scotland remain at record levels. HIV charities support the Action Plan’s closer combination of prevention and treatment interventions to strengthen Scotland’s response to HIV.
 

This integrated approach will help those attending clinics for testing and care to get information and support to protect themselves and their partners. Outreach and awareness raising work with communities will emphasise the benefits of early HIV testing.
 

HIV Scotland’s Roy Kilpatrick said, “This Action Plan recognises the need for HIV prevention at many different levels, along with the imperative that the growing numbers of people on treatment get the very best care, wherever they live and whatever their background. We welcome the recognition within the Plan of the need to work collaboratively across sectors. It is pleasing to see that the Plan deliberately sets ambitious goals for the next five years that involve charities, government, health experts and individuals, in intensifying our efforts and scaling up the work.”
 

David Johnson, Director of Waverley Care, Scotland’s largest HIV charity, described how Waverley Care provided a wide range of support for a wide range of people and needs from children through mothers and fathers to gay men. He said "Practical support and respite are also essential components of care. But at the end of the day, people themselves make the difference, and the HIV Action Plan has much in it that will help organisations like Waverley Care in their work with people living with HIV."
 

Parliament launch

The HIV Action Plan was launched today by Scotland Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison, with a debate in the Scottish Parliament led by Jack McConnell MSP. Health Protection Scotland issued its comprehensive report to link with this launch.
Scottish HIV Action Plan, or available also from this page Scottish HIV Action Plan   
 

HIV figures and comment from Health Protection Scotland

Source HIV Scotland