Perth and Kinross Council has pledged its commitment to help ending the HIV epidemic by the end of the decade by signing the Paris Declaration to become a Fast-Track City.
Almost 500 locations around the world have signed the declaration, which signals their intent to eliminate HIV and the stigma surrounding the disease. Provost Xander McDade and Independent Councillor Colin Stewart signed the declaration along with representatives from Waverly Care, Scotland’s HIV, Hepatitis C and sexual health charity.
Speaking about the signing of the declaration, Provost McDade said: “HIV used to be seen as a terminal illness, but treatments have improved so that someone diagnosed today can live a normal, healthy life.
“Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding HIV can stop some people getting tested and enjoying life the way they should.
“By challenging the stigma around HIV, we can get more people tested and, together, eliminate HIV in Perth & Kinross altogether.”
The decision to sign the declaration was made in November after the council agreed a motion by Equalities Lead Cllr Peter Barrett, with Cllr Colin Stewart seconding.
Fast-Track Cities Scotland allows cities across the country to work together to share best practice and learn from one another through partnership working.
Scotland’s Fast Track Cities aim to:
- to sustain and exceed the UNAIDS’s 95:95:95 HIV targets (95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of people with diagnosed HIV on treatment, 95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads)
- to end new HIV infections in the city by 2030
- to eliminate HIV-relate stigma and discrimination.
- to end all preventable deaths from HIV-related causes
- to improve the health, quality of life and wellbeing of people living with HIV across the city
Councillor Colin Stewart added: “Everyone should be able to life their life free from discrimination and prejudice.
“By being open about HIV with friends, families and peers and getting tested regularly, we can end the stigma surrounding HIV. Stigma can be deadly as it may stop people getting tested and the treatment they need.”
Grant Sugden, Chief Executive of Waverley Care, said: “We are delighted that Perth has signed up to become a Fast-Track City. We know that Scotland’s cities must work together to reach zero new HIV transmissions by 2030, and having Perth sign up to crucial HIV commitments brings us closer to that goal.
“The initiative allows us to work with the Council, NHS and other stakeholders to reach shared goals for HIV transmission elimination. We look forward to working collaboratively to eliminate HIV transmission and end HIV-related stigma in Scotland.”
Grant Sugden the Chief Executive of Waverly Care was one of the representatives to sign the declaration, saying: said: “We are delighted that Perth has signed up to become a Fast-Track City. We know that Scotland’s cities must work together to reach zero new HIV transmissions by 2030, and having Perth sign up to crucial HIV commitments brings us closer to that goal.
“The initiative allows us to work with the Council, NHS and other stakeholders to reach shared goals for HIV transmission elimination. We look forward to working collaboratively to eliminate HIV transmission and end HIV-related stigma in Scotland.”
The signing of the declaration was applauded by José M. Zuniga, the President and Chief Executive Officer of International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, who said: “As Perth signs up to the Fast-Track Cities network, we commit to work shoulder-to-shoulder to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 and other related targets.
“We also applaud the city’s commitment to place people at the centre of the HIV response, including by prioritising the goal of getting to zero HIV-related stigma and discrimination.”
Anyone can book a test online at https://www.sexualhealthtayside.org/blood-borne-viruses/hiv/
Help and support is also available through the Terrance Higgins Trust at https://www.tht.org.uk/ and Men Only Tayside https://menonlytayside.com/