In 2022, a group of experts gave the Scottish Government 22 recommendations for how they can reduce new transmission of HIV. Based on evidence across Scotland and worldwide, our campaign focuses on three of these recommendations.
Our Scottish Government asks to #GetToZero
When people go to A&E and take a blood test, we want HIV and hepatitis B and C to be automatically added to the list of conditions which are screened for. People will be able to ‘opt-out’ of this testing. Those who are found to potentially have one of these viruses are then supported through tailored follow-up care.
Opt-out blood borne testing is not a new idea – it is tried and tested. It already happens in other departments such as maternity care, and we know it works. It is so important for everyone in Scotland to be able to take an HIV test and opt-out testing is an accessible way for people to get tested.
We’re pleased that as part of its 2025/26 Programme for Government, the Scottish Government committed to implement opt-out testing in emergency departments in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
For many, taking an HIV test is not considered a part of their healthcare. However, taking an HIV test is quick, easy and painless, and can be ordered online straight to your door. A national HIV testing week would improve access to HIV testing for people in Scotland.
A national HIV testing week also helps to reduce HIV stigma by normalising testing and debunking myths about HIV. It highlights the importance of regular testing and taking control of your sexual health.
England and Wales have their own national HIV testing weeks – tt’s time for Scotland to ensure that everyone has equitable access to an HIV test – and a national HIV testing week is an important way to do so.
‘Pre-exposure prophylaxis’ (PrEP) is a highly effective medication for preventing HIV but public knowledge about it is low. Statistics show that many people who need PrEP are not accessing it. We want PrEP to be available to everyone in Scotland who might benefit from it – regardless of where they live or their life circumstances.
Despite PrEP being a game-changing medication, you can currently only access it through a sexual health clinic, meaning not everyone in Scotland can get it. We want consideration to be given for PrEP to be made available in other settings including GPs, community pharmacies and online. Making sure that PrEP is available in more settings, and in an equitable way across Scotland, is vital to #GetToZero.
