MONDAY, 2 DECEMBER, 2024

Photograph attached: l-r Donna Kelbie, improvement & development manager, sexual health & blood-borne viruses managed clinical network and Laura Shepherd, HIV service coordinator

NHS Tayside commemorates World AIDS Day with events to tackle HIV stigma

NHS Tayside Sexual Health & BBV, in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council, Dundee & Angus College, and Dundee City Council, held a series of events to mark World AIDS Day.

These activities are part of the Dundee & Perth Fast Track Cities initiative, aimed at raising awareness, fighting HIV stigma, and encouraging community action.

Event Highlights:

• Monday 25 November: Bus stops across Perth & Kinross will feature the ‘I Pledge to…’ campaign, urging people to “Wise up, Speak up, Reach out” against HIV stigma. Perth & Kinross Council will illuminate public buildings in red for the day

• Thursday 28 November: An engagement event was held at Dundee & Angus College’s Gardyne Campus

• Friday 29 November: NHS Tayside joined the Noel-ember event hosted by IDART (Integrated Drug & Alcohol Team) in Perth

HIV treatment has advanced significantly; people living with HIV can now lead full, healthy lives. Effective treatment means the virus cannot be passed on to others. However, stigma and fear of diagnosis remains a barrier to testing and treatment, leading to delayed diagnoses and potential health risks.

Dr. Emma Fletcher, Director of Public Health, added: “The treatment we can offer to people living with HIV nowadays is highly effective, enabling people to live full and healthy lives and preventing new infections.

“We would strongly encourage anyone who would like to get tested for HIV to do so without hesitation.

“The NHS Tayside sexual health team can provide any additional information or support that would be of help to you, friends or family.”

Dr. Sarah Allstaff, NHS Tayside Clinical Lead for HIV said, “Freeing our society from HIV stigma is key to ending new infections and ensuring people living with HIV enjoy dignity and a better quality of life.

“Modern treatments mean those on effective therapy cannot pass on the virus and can expect a normal life expectancy. But we can only achieve this in a culture free from stigma.”

Contact:

Abigail Reid

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716