We’re joining organisations across Scotland marking World AIDS Day.
As a symbol of solidarity and support for people living with HIV, University Hospital Wishaw, University Hospital Hairmyres and University Hospital Monklands will be lit up red for the evening.
World AIDS Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma and show support for people living with or affected by HIV. Although treatment and prevention have advanced significantly, stigma and outdated attitudes can still impact people’s experiences when accessing health and social care.
Globally, UNAIDS theme for World AIDS Day is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response” and is an important opportunity to highlight the impact that the funding cuts from international donors have had on the response to AIDS as well as to showcase the resilience of countries and communities stepping up to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward.
In Scotland, this year also sees the national launch of HIV Informed, a new online learning hub developed by Waverley Care in partnership with NHS Scotland, people living with HIV and the Scottish Government.
The platform offers short videos, real stories and practical learning materials designed to help health and social care professionals build confidence and understanding around HIV today. It also reinforces an important message: people living with HIV who are on treatment and have an undetectable viral load cannot pass the virus on to others.
Dr Nick Kennedy, BBV Network Lead Clinician at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that stigma and outdated beliefs still impact people living with HIV, including when accessing health and social care.
“By staying informed and challenging misconceptions, we can make sure every person is treated with dignity and respect. The new HIV Informed learning hub is an excellent resource that supports our staff to deliver safe, inclusive and compassionate care.”
The HIV Informed learning hub is now live and available for all health and social care staff: www.hiv-informed.scot.
We encourage staff to take time to explore the resources and support efforts to build inclusive, stigma-free services across Lanarkshire.
