NAT statement on Nadja Benaissa sentence for HIV transmission

In response to today's verdict and sentence in Germany on Nadja Benaissa for HIV transmission, Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT, said:

'The trial in Germany of Nadja Benaissa for criminally transmitting HIV has attracted worldwide attention.

NAT does not condone placing a sexual partner at risk of HIV without that partner's consent.  But there is no evidence that criminal prosecutions do anything to prevent such behaviour.  We would do far better focussing on reducing the stigma in society which silences discussion of HIV and on increasing condom use and a sense of reponsibility for our own and our partners' sexual health.

Guidelines help journalists understand HIV in the 21st century

NAT (National AIDS Trust) have produced new Guidelines for Reporting HIV. The guidelines have been produced for editors and journalists writing about HIV in the UK. They dispel commons myths about HIV, provide up-to-date information and sign-post journalists to further resources. The guidelines are supported by the National Union of Journalists, the Press Complaints Commission and the Society of Editors.

HIV prevention needs of black Caribbean population overlooked in UK

National HIV prevention strategy needed for Black Caribbean population

A new report by NAT (National AIDS Trust) shows that the black Caribbean population in the UK is disproportionately affected by HIV. Black Caribbean people make up 1% of the UK population but account for 3% of people living with HIV. HIV prevalence is over four times higher than in the white population. Despite this, a national HIV prevention strategy for the black Caribbean population does not exist.

NAT Welcomes Breakthrough in Microbicide Development

Announcement of the CAPRISA trial results marks a major breakthrough HIV prevention

Results of the CAPRISA 004 trial announced yesterday at the International AIDS Conference, showed a vaginal microbicidal gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir (Viread) reduced the risk of HIV infection among women who received it by 39 per cent during a two-and-a-half-year study in South Africa.

New Guidance for Police Investigating Criminal Transmission of HIV

Police and HIV sector work together to produce guidance

New guidance has been produced to help police when investigating allegations of criminal transmission of HIV.  The guidance provides police officers with basic facts about HIV and sets out advice on how to deal with complaints about reckless (or intentional) transmission of HIV in a fair and sensitive manner.

Future reform of Disability Living Allowance is cause for concern for people living with HIV

NAT reacts to the Emergency Budget

The Chancellor’s announcement today that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be reformed from 2013/14 is a serious cause for concern for people living with HIV. DLA is awarded to disabled people in recognition of the extra day-to-day costs they incur because of their disability. People already have to submit lengthy forms and medical evidence when applying for this benefit; measures to make it more difficult to qualify for this support may have a dramatic impact on the quality of life of some people living with HIV.

NAT Concerned by end of Protected Grant for Care of People with HIV

Decision to end ring-fence of the AIDS Support Grant means uncertain future for HIV social care services

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles’ surprise announcement in a written ministerial statement on 10 June that the AIDS Support Grant will no longer be ring-fenced in the current financial year has left the future of social care services for people living with HIV in question.

NAT Launches Fundraising Appeal

Charity sets target of £25,000

NAT (National AIDS Trust), the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV, has launched a fundraising appeal to raise awareness of its work for the gay community and to secure support needed for the future. 

NAT team puts glad rags on for Crusaid Walk for Life

Thank you for supporters who helped raised almost £14,000

Supporters of NAT (National AIDS Trust) were out in force on Sunday to take part in this year’s Crusaid Walk for Life. The 10k walk around London landmarks raises awareness about HIV and funds for HIV charities. To mark the 21^st anniversary of the event walkers made a special effort with fancy dress.

Improved Protection for People with HIV from Hate Crime

NAT welcomes revised guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service

NAT warmly welcome the revision of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance which states for the first time that people living with HIV should receive the same protection as other disabled victims of hate crime.  Until recently, it was unclear whether the definition of disability in the legislation that covers this area (the Criminal Justice Act 2003) included HIV. 

HIV Sector and Policy Makers meet on World AIDS Vaccine Day

On World AIDS Vaccine Day (18 May), NAT (National AIDS Trust) is hosting an event to discuss progress on the road to developing new technologies to prevent HIV.

Young Gay Men Let Down by Scrapping of Compulsory Sex and Relationship Education

Clauses in the Children, Schools and Families Bill dropped in the pre-election ‘wash-up’

Yesterday clauses in the Children, Schools and Families Bill were dropped in the pre-election ‘wash-up’. This means proposals for compulsory sex and relationship education for students in England have been scrapped.

New Equality Act will Benefit People Living with HIV

The Equality Act is expected to receive Royal Assent tomorrow

NAT (National AIDS Trust) is today celebrating the completion of the Equality Bill’s journey through Parliament.  The Equality Act will introduce a number of improvements for people living with HIV when it comes into force in October 2010. 

HIV is one of the biggest health challenges facing women

Next UK Government must sustain commitment to new prevention research

On International Women’s Day, NAT calls for the next Government to maintain UK leadership in developing new prevention technologies that will help women protect themselves from HIV.

Government Amendment Dilutes Sex and Relationship Education

NAT disappointed by amendment to Children, Schools and Families Bill

A new Government amendment to the Children, Schools and Families Bill threatens to undermine progress in reducing HIV amongst young gay men.

Groundbreaking Step to Prohibit the use of Pre-Employment Health Questionnaires

New legislation looks set to remove a significant barrier in recruitment for HIV positive people by outlawing the use of pre-employment health questionnaires

NAT are today celebrating a significant step forward towards the end to discrimination in recruitment for people living with HIV. Last night saw the introduction to the Equality Bill of a ground breaking clause that received cross party support and will for the first time see the prohibition of health questionnaires prior to an offer of employment. 

Scottish HIV Conviction Raises Serious Concerns

The conviction today in Scotland of Richard Devereux on four counts of culpable and reckless conduct raises serious concerns. 

NAT calls for NHS to do more to reassure patients about confidentiality

Confidentiality a serious concern for people with HIV

A report released today by NAT (National AIDS Trust) calls for the Department of Health to clarify the rules surrounding patient confidentiality and for better staff training, particularly in relation to patients with HIV.

NAT Welcomes lifting of US Travel Ban