How can you help us end HIV Stigma?
HIV treatment has changed. People living with HIV can live full and healthy lives. Effective treatment means the virus cannot be passed on to others.
This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U.
Only 1/3 of Scots are aware that people living with HIV on effective treatment cannot pass it on to others. (YouGov, 2023)
Find out more about PrEP: HIV PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) | NHS inform
Find out more about PEP: HIV symptoms & treatments – Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform
Stigma is more harmful than HIV
A lack of information and negative attitudes can mean that stigma is more harmful than HIV.
74% of people living with HIV have experienced stigma or discrimination. (YouGov, 2023)
Stigma, and fear of an HIV diagnosis, can prevent people from getting tested. A delay in diagnosis can lead to poorer health outcomes, and the risk of HIV being unknowingly passed on.
Stigma means that people living with HIV can face hostility, verbal or physical abuse, and barriers to participating. People can experience stigma in any areas of their life: from friends and family, at work, and from services.
Join us and get involved this
World Aids Day
1. Learn the facts about HIV
HIV treatment has changed. People living with HIV can live full and healthy lives. Effective treatment means the virus cannot be passed on to others.
This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U.
To find out the facts visit: HIVstigma.scot
Further links for information;
- National Aids Trust World AIDS Day Website: Worldaidsday.org
- Waverley Care, HIV and Hepatitis C Charity: waverleycare.org
- Terrence Higgins Trust, HIV and Sexual Health Charity: tht.org.uk
Help us spread awareness that Undetectable=Untransmissible (U=U), and that stigma is harmful and needs to stop. Share HIVstigma.scot to help others learn the facts about HIV.
Fast Track Cities Scotland: Cities across Scotland have signed the Paris Declaration on Fast Track Cities to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. Find out more about Fast Track Cities Scotland
2. Learn about access to HIV testing
- Find out about HIV testing and other STI testing options from NHS Inform: HIV symptoms & treatments – Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform
- Quick tests can be booked online here – Book an appointment
- Free HIV blood and oral self-testing kits from the charity Terrence Higgins Trust – Ayrshire | Terrence Higgins Trust
HIV in 2 minutes!
Dr Joss Skaaning, Specialty Doctor in Blood Borne Viruses and Sexual Health, talks key facts on HIV including testing, treatment and prevention.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are committed to ending HIV transmission by 2030. Listen in to see how you can play your part.
