Terrence Higgins Trust, Fast Track Cymru and National AIDS Trust have published a manifesto for ending new HIV transmissions in Wales and are urging all political parties to commit to action ahead of the May election.
There are five key recommendations from the charities. The recommendations include making the HIV prevention medication PrEP available through a national online service, funding anti-stigma campaigns and creating a programme to re-engage those who have been diagnosed but are not accessing HIV care. Once on treatment, people living with HIV can live a normal, healthy life and can’t pass on the virus, including through sex.
The charities argue these actions will help tackle the high proportion of people in Wales diagnosed late with HIV, when the virus has had a chance to damage their immune system, as well the continuing stigma around HIV.
Wales's first ever HIV Action Plan was published in 2023 and expires this year. While it has driven progress, the charities say government will need to go further and faster to end new HIV cases within the decade.
Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We have all the tools we need to end new HIV cases in Wales by 2030. Today we have laid out a blueprint of how to use those tools to build a future in Terry Higgins's homeland with no new HIV cases, no HIV stigma and where people are supported to live well with HIV. Now it’s up to candidates, elected Members and the next Welsh Government to commit to making it a reality.”
Daniel Fluskey, Director of Policy at National AIDS Trust, said: “The next Senedd has a real chance of achieving the goal of ending new HIV transmissions in Wales. Substantial steps toward this have been made under the current HIV Action Plan for Wales – but now is the time to build on that foundation and turn an aspiration into reality. Medically, we have all the tools and treatment that are needed to ensure that people can live well with HIV and not pass the virus on. However, the next Government in Wales must deliver on these key priorities we’ve set out including a new programme to re-engage people not in HIV care, and awareness campaigns to normalise testing and challenge HIV stigma.”
Sarah Maslen-Roberts, Fast Track Cymru Executive Director, said: “As a charity working across Wales to address HIV and related conditions at regional and national levels, we are proud to stand alongside partners in setting out a clear, shared vision to end new HIV cases in Wales by 2030 and are grateful to colleagues from Terrence Higgins Trust and National AIDS Trust for collaborating on this vital project. This manifesto reflects both the progress already made and the urgent action still needed to tackle inequalities, reduce stigma, and ensure everyone can access the care and support they need to live well. Wales was the first Fast Track Nation in the World, and we could become the first nation to end HIV transmissions. We remain committed to working with candidates, newly elected Members of the Senedd and the next Welsh Government to turn these priorities into meaningful, lasting impact for individuals and communities across Wales.”
