We’re calling on the next government to stand with people affected by HIV 

Alongside nineteen other HIV organisations, NAT are asking all MP candidates to pledge their support for the HIV Manifesto, which has been unveiled today. 

Ahead of the General Election 2017, we’ve outlined seven priority areas that the next government – whoever it is – must address to ensure HIV remains a priority. 

The organisations behind the HIV Manifesto include NAT, Terrence Higgins Trust, Positively UK, BHIVA, HIV Scotland, Prepster, BHA, Brigstowe, MESMAC, LASS, Spectra, NAM, LGBT Foundation, Metro, Living Well, River House Trust, Herts Aid, Thames Valley Positive Support, Waverley Care, and Positive East.
We have come a long way since the 1980s. While stigma and discrimination remain, HIV is now a long term condition and individuals are living with HIV into old age. 

HIV treatment in the UK is excellent, but not everyone living with HIV is doing well. The number of people diagnosed with HIV each year remains high and far too many people are diagnosed late with HIV.

Services which help people living with HIV manage their condition are facing continued funding cuts. 

We have come so far. We can’t stop now. 

That’s why we’re calling on the next government to stand with people affected by HIV and prioritise sexual health services. 

Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT, said: “HIV remains in need of urgent attention, and we urge all those seeking office in the election to take the time to understand the issues and commit to action. HIV services in the UK have been world-leaders for decades, both in terms of clinical services but also with innovative, person-centred approaches to supporting people affected by HIV. 

“We call on the next Government to build on these successes. The UK needs investment in HIV prevention. At the same time, we cannot overlook the needs of the 100,000 people who are already living with HIV and will be for the rest of their lives. And the heart of any HIV strategy must be a commitment to stamp out the stigma which continues to blight the lives of people affected by HIV.” 

In the HIV manifesto, we are calling on the government to: 

1. Commit to tackling the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV 
2. Fully fund HIV and sexual health services to meet the needs of local communities
3. Recognise the importance of prevention to a sustainable health and social care system by increasing investment in public health services
4. Equip schools with the resources they need to ensure that high-quality, age-appropriate, LGBT-inclusive sex and relationships education is taught to all young people in all schools
5. Make PrEP available to all individuals at risk of HIV in the UK
6. Develop a fair benefits system that meets the needs of people living with HIV whether in or out of work
7. Ensure that the health and social care system is equipped to meet the needs of a population ageing with HIV

Will your local MP candidates pledge to support the #HIVManifesto?

Download the full HIV Manifesto
Download the HIV Manifesto pledge board

Ask your local MP candidates to take the pledge.