MONDAY, 21 JULY, 2025

Photograph attached: L-R NHS Tayside HIV Nurse Specialist Martha Marame, Medical Secretary Jacqueline Maclean and Health Improvement Officer Graeme Cockburn at World Zero HIV Stigma awareness stand in Ninewells Hospital

NHS Tayside marks World Zero HIV Stigma Day

NHS Tayside’s Sexual Health & Blood Borne Virus Managed Care Network hosted an event today designed to challenge prejudice, increase understanding, and explain that HIV stigma harms people more than HIV itself.

Staff, patients and visitors were invited to join NHS Tayside’s HIV team for a coffee and a chat in Ninewells Hospital over lunchtime, where they could learn more about the realities of living with HIV today and how stigma continues to affect people’s lives. The awareness campaign also includes public messaging at bus stops across Perth & Kinross, encouraging everyone to challenge HIV stigma wherever they see it.

Clinical Lead for HIV at NHS Tayside Dr Sarah Allstaff, said, “Freeing our society from HIV stigma will accelerate the end of new HIV infections but, just as importantly, it will allow people who live with HIV to enjoy the dignity, equality and wellbeing they deserve.

“We have the tools to prevent HIV – regular testing, effective treatment, and medicines that protect those who are HIV-negative. People living with HIV who are on treatment and have an undetectable viral load cannot pass on the virus, this is known as U=U.

“But these tools can only work if people feel safe enough to get tested and safe enough to access care. Stigma makes people feel ashamed, afraid and excluded. Ending stigma isn’t an optional bonus – ending stigma is the essential foundation for eliminating new HIV infections and its consequences.”

Associate Director of Public Health Dr Simon Hilton said, “The treatments we offer today are life-changing. People living with HIV can expect to live long, healthy lives and we want to encourage anyone thinking about getting tested to do so without hesitation.

“If you need information, advice or support, our sexual health team is here to help you, your friends or your family.”

Contact:

Abigail Reid

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740714