Edinburgh kick-starts plan to eliminate new cases of HIV by 2030

In November 2019, the city signed up to the international Fast Track Cities initiative, which is committed to ending the global HIV epidemic.

This week marked the first meeting of the newly established Fast-Track Cities Leadership Group (FTCI-LG) chaired by Depute Leader Cllr Cammy Day.

The group brings together expertise from across Edinburgh, including those involved in and affected by the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support of people living with and at risk of HIV in Edinburgh.

Members of the Group include: Edinburgh City Council, HIV Scotland, Waverley Care, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Lothian, Lothian Patients Forum and Positive Help.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Day said: "I was delighted to chair today’s meeting to take forward this vital work for the Capital.

"We’ll obviously be working with all relevant partner organisations across the city and mindful of existing policies but I’m confident that if we pool our resources and knowledge the group will make a real difference to the lives of those affected by HIV in Edinburgh."

Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership’s Chief Officer Judith Proctor said: “Some work on our Strategic Plan has been delayed by the Covid pandemic but we recognise that all the organisations supporting people with HIV have adapted and have been supporting people throughout the pandemic and have been incredibly flexible and innovative in doing so."

The group will also work towards eliminating HIV-related stigma and discrimination, ending all preventable deaths from HIV-related causes as well as improving the health, quality of life and wellbeing of people living with HIV across the Capital.

Chief Executive of HIV Scotland Nathan Sparling said: “Edinburgh is part of a global network of over 300 cities committed to ending the HIV epidemic by 2030, and it was great to kickstart our work to reach zero HIV transmission, zero HIV-related deaths and zero HIV-stigma in Edinburgh.

"Everyone in Edinburgh can play their part by learning about the modern day realities of HIV and help us stamp out stigma and prejudice.

"Today, someone living with HIV can live a long, healthy and happy life with effective medication that can work so well that people can’t pass the virus on to their sexual partners."

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