Prevention & testing

HIV in Scotland is on the rise. More people than ever before are being diagnosed annually – over 400 every year for the last five years. Many have been infected very recently.

HIV prevention is linked to testing and is a priority. To be effective it must be –

  • Combined and integrated with treatment and care, so as not to be in isolation
  • Globally, for every two people going on HIV treatment, another five get infected and every year there are 2.5 million new infections. See “How many people a day?”
  • Informed by evidence from research, epidemiology and experience
  • Scaled up to match demand and opportunity
  • Intensified to retain awareness and tackle real life challenges
  • Targeted to reach those populations most at risk and vulnerable to HIV
  • Resourced consistently and adequately – HIV prevention is cost-effective
  • Innovative using new technologies to identify and rapidly address trends

No-one pretends that prevention is easy. It is fast-moving, its targets change, and its impact on health is rarely seen immediately.

Promotion of prevention to individuals and communities sits with anyone with professional responsibility for individuals or communities affected by HIV, from HIV specialists, to GPs, A&E Departments, Dentists, and social workers. Keeping up with HIV in our day-to-day work is vital.

Useful information is available from UNAIDS.

Under the HIV Action Plan, guidelines for prevention are being developed for specific populations.

HIV testing is an integral component of HIV prevention, as it enables informed decisions about safer sex or drug use and HIV treatment. Late diagnosis is the single most important factor in HIV mortality in the UK. It is estimated that about one third of people infected with HIV are unaware of their status.

Testing facts –

  • Every year in Scotland, over 42,000 people have an HIV test (HPS)
  • Different types of HIV tests are available, and clinics use both antibody and p24 tests
  • Sensitive, fourth generation HIV tests are recommended but not available in all UK clinics.
  • HIV tests are available in a range of settings, from GUM and sexual health clinics and GPs
  • Primary Care CEL2007_15.pdf [PDF - 55kB] has a crucial role to play in improving uptake of HIV Testing
  • The UK National Guidelines for HIV Testing were published by BHIVA in 2008
  • Guidelines for HIV testing in MSM and Africans are in process of consultation (Jan 2010)

Where can I get an HIV test?

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Testing for HIV

The only way of knowing if you have HIV is by taking an HIV test. If you are worried about going for a test, or about the results, you can talk in confidence to someone.

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Our remit

HIV Scotland is committed to reducing discrimination and improving prevention, treatment and care for those affected by or at risk of HIV.

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Dealing with diagnosis

If you have just found out that you are HIV positive, you are probably experiencing a range of different emotions. It’s important not to try to deal with things on your own. Finding the right support is essential.

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Treatment

Treatment for HIV has proven highly effective, though there is still no cure. Treating HIV is a highly specialised discipline. Scotland enjoys an excellent reputation for quality of care and access.

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