Scotland is to develop a new dedicated HIV Action Plan as the country continues its push to end transmission of the virus by 2030.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd confirmed the next phase of the work ahead of a Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Action Plan development event on Monday.
The new plan will succeed Scotland’s existing HIV Transmission Elimination Delivery Plan and retain a dedicated national focus on preventing new transmissions.
Scotland’s ambition is not simply to reduce HIV transmission but to reach zero people contracting the virus within Scotland by the end of the decade.
The approach brings together prevention, wider access to testing, rapid diagnosis and treatment, alongside efforts to tackle the stigma which can prevent people accessing services.
Scotland has already expanded access to PrEP, which can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV, while opt out testing has been introduced in accident and emergency departments.
Todd said:
“Our Programme for Government recognises that better outcomes depend on prevention as well as good access to care and treatment.
“Tackling HIV transmission has a vital role to play in supporting this aim, it’s a clear example of how prevention improves lives.
“That’s why it is vital we ensure it continues to receive dedicated focus as we build on the significant progress achieved in recent years including the roll out of opt out testing in A&E departments, something we have committed to continuing over the next five years, expansion of access to PrEP and a successful public anti-stigma campaign.
“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.”
The importance of treatment extends beyond the health of someone living with HIV because effective antiretroviral treatment can reduce the virus to an undetectable level, meaning it cannot be sexually transmitted.
Alan Eagleson, Head of Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, 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.
“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 next plan is expected to focus on earlier diagnosis, wider access to prevention including PrEP and rapid testing, and ensuring people living with HIV can access treatment, care and support without stigma.
With 2030 now little more than three years away, the development of the new plan moves Scotland’s ambition into a critical final phase where prevention, testing and treatment will all have to work together if transmission is to be driven to zero.
