World AIDS Day: Generation Zero

World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks your immune system (CD4 cells) and in most cases will weaken your ability to fight infections and other diseases like cancer. If left untreated HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the HIV virus.

As part of this year’s awareness campaign HIV Scotland is encouraging us to become Generation Zero: the generation that sees zero new HIV transmissions, zero new HIV-related deaths and zero HIV stigma.

Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health, said: "The first step towards Generation Zero is for those who are at risk of HIV being tested as soon as possible. People who may be at risk include men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and people from high prevalence countries particularly sub-Saharan African ones. HIV treatment advances mean that people living with HIV can live healthily for a long time if they are diagnosed early.

He added: "Although there is no cure for HIV, you can protect yourself and your partner by practicing safer sex, having regular sexual health checks or by using sterile injecting equipment. If a person living with HIV is on effective treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they do not pass HIV on.”

This year the Borders Positive Forum was established to develop engagement with people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Borders so that their collective, experienced voices can help shape the planning and delivery of services both locally and nationally.

Iain Johnston, a member of the Borders Positive Forum, said: “In a year where the headlines have been dominated by another pandemic, it is vital that we recognise the on-going support required for those affected by the AIDS pandemic. 2021 will mark 40 years since the first recorded death from what has become known as AIDS. Since then it is estimated that as many as 100 million people have been infected with HIV, with up to 42 million deaths from AIDS related illnesses.

“Scotland has surpassed the UNAIDS 90/90/90 target of 90% of all people living with HIV knowing their status; 90% of those diagnosed on treatment and 90% of those on treatment with a supressed viral load. However there is still work to be done to ensure that testing continues and those living with HIV have easy access to services and support so that they can lead active healthy lives without stigma.

“The Borders Positive Forum was formed to empower the HIV community in the Borders and champion the fact that this diverse community are often experts at living with HIV. The Covid pandemic has curtailed many of the forum’s plans over 2020 however we did achieve our first objective which was training a locally based Peer Mentor to provide support to people living with, or affected by, HIV. This service can be accessed by contacting either Borders Sexual Health on 01896 663700 or Waverley Care 0131 558 1425 or info@waverleycare.org.

If you think you are at risk, or if you would like a test, please visit your local GP practice or contact Borders Sexual Health on 01896 663700 and ask to be tested.

Borders Sexual Health clinics offer a free and confidential service to everyone regardless of age, sexuality or gender expression. The specialist team provides contraception and sexual health testing, treatment and advice. More information can be found here: www.borderssexualhealth.org.uk

Further details of the Borders Positive Forum, including their mission statement and strategic plan, can be found on www.hiv.scot/borderspositive or requested by emailing borders@hiv.scot

For more information about World AIDS Day visit: www.worldaidsday.org/