MSP’s Take HIV Tests at Scottish Parliament to Help End HIV Stigma
On Thursday, 10th October, MSPs from across the political spectrum joined us, in collaboration with Terrace Higgins Trust, in taking rapid HIV tests outside the Scottish Parliament. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the simplicity of HIV testing and tackle the stigma still surrounding HIV.
Normalising HIV Testing
Sponsored by Gillian Mackay MSP, the event demonstrated how quick and simple HIV testing can be. More importantly, it highlighted Scotland’s goal to end HIV transmission by 2030 and our ongoing push for a National HIV Testing Week in Scotland.
We have seen the positive impact that similar testing weeks have had in England and Wales, making testing more accessible and helping to reduce stigma.
Alan Eagleson, Head of Scotland at Terrence Higgins Trust.Our event in Parliament was a great opportunity to talk to MSPs about HIV and normalise testing. HIV tests must be readily available outside sexual health services. Terrence Higgins Trust’s national online self-test service, which is funded by the Scottish Government is a positive example of this, but other interventions to promote and expand HIV testing need to be prioritised.
Raising Awareness to Combat Stigma
Grant Sugden, Chief Executive at Waverley Care.A National HIV Testing Week would not only make it easier for people to get tested but would also spark conversations about HIV and help reduce stigma.
HIV is treatable, and with effective treatment, people can live long, healthy lives. Those on effective treat can achieve an undetectable viral load *link to U=U page*, meaning they cannot pass the virus on to others.
However, stigma and fear around testing continues to prevent many people from testing and knowing their status.
Post-COVID Challenge
In collaboration with Terrace Higgins Trust, we have raised the issue with the Scottish Government that HIV testing rates have not yet returned to pre-COVID levels, where we saw a higher uptake of tests.
This is a critical challenge as identifying people living with undiagnosed HIV is key to reaching our goal of zero new HIV transmission by 2030.
Gillian Mackay, MSP for Central Scotland.We must ensure that people in Scotland are able to access HIV testing wherever they are, without barriers or long waiting lists. A great way to do this would be through the introduction of a national HIV testing week.
