Commitment to ending HIV transmission

Dundee has committed to ending the transmission of HIV by 2030 by signing the Paris Declaration to become a Fast-Track City.

Fast-Track Cities is a partnership of over 400 locations around the world working to eliminate HIV transmission and stigma.

The Declaration was signed by Dundee City Council’s equalities spokesperson Councillor Nadia El-Nakla, Grant Sugden, Chief Executive of the charity Waverley Care, which is leading the Fast-Track Cities in initiative in Scotland, NHS Tayside Chief Executive Grant Archibald and Public Health Director Dr Emma Fletcher.

It follows an earlier decision by the Council’s policy and resources committee to become a Fast-Track City.

The main goals for all of Scotland’s Fast Track Cities are:

• to sustain and exceed the UNAIDS’s 95:95:95 HIV targets (95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of people with diagnosed HIV on treatment, 95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads)
• to end new HIV infections in the city by 2030
• to eliminate HIV-relate stigma and discrimination
• to end all preventable deaths from HIV-related causes
• to improve the health, quality of life and wellbeing of people living with HIV across the city

Fast-Track Cities Scotland allows cities to work together to share best practice and learn from one another, through workshops, conferences and partnership working.

Councillor El-Nakla said: “Despite the progress that has been made, there is still widespread stigma about HIV.

“HIV is a treatable condition, like many other life-long conditions, but it is stigma that makes it different. Stigma prevents people from getting tested, disclosing their status to loved ones, and for many sadly living a full and enriched life.

“We must find a way to tackle the stigma and shame surrounding HIV. We all have a part to play in that.

“By signing this document, we are also restating our collective commitment to meeting the UNAIDS target of eliminating HIV by 2030. Here in Tayside we led the way in eliminating Hepatitis C - let's do the same for HIV.”

Mr Sugden said: "I am delighted that Dundee has committed to becoming a Fast-Track City. This commitment is a vital step towards reaching a Scotland with zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.

“The initiative allows us to work with the Council, NHS and other stakeholders to reach shared goals for HIV transmission elimination.”

Dr Fletcher said: "NHS Tayside is delighted to have support from Dundee City Council in meeting the UNAIDS targets in Tayside.

“We will continue to build on our close working relationship to deliver high quality HIV prevention and treatment services across the city."

José M. Zuniga, President of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, said: “We welcome Dundee to the global Fast-Track Cities network and recognise the commitment to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 and other related targets on a trajectory towards getting to zero new HIV infections and zero AIDS-related deaths.

“Equally important, we commend your willingness to prioritize getting to zero HIV-related stigma and discrimination.”

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