Scotland has announced plans to eliminate HIV transmission within the next decade. The announcement was made by Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick on account of the World Aids Day (Tuesday, 1 December 2020).
The HIV transmission elimination proposal will be developed alongside other prevention measures such as free condom provision, improved access to pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis medications, improved testing capacity and measures to prevent needle sharing.
The Government has also earmarked £377,000 towards the development of an online service for sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses, which allows for requesting a test online and home self-sampling, while offering clinicians detailed, real-time data on HIV care and outcomes.
Minister FitzPatrick believes that Scotland has excellent sexual and reproductive health services along with access to specialist treatment and care. Scotland was also one of the early adopters of the HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis service in the world. “I believe we can go further and that the goal of eliminating HIV transmission is now in sight,” he added.
Chief Executive of HIV Scotland, Nathan Sparling said: “Scotland’s unique response to HIV – working strategically between government, clinicians, academics, the third sector and people living with HIV – makes this target achievable.”
