The 2030 target of zero HIV transmissions within Scotland remains in sight.

Through successful implementation of key actions in the HIV Transmission Elimination Delivery Plan, Scotland is making remarkable progress towards HIV transmission elimination, with a decline in the number of first-time diagnoses and a continued downward trend in the number of newly diagnosed infections thought to have been acquired within Scotland.

However, challenges remain, and it is critical to ensure everyone working in health and social care can provide inclusive, stigma-free care and support to people worried about, living with or affected by HIV.

HIV stigma and outdated knowledge: Despite progress, a major barrier to HIV transmission elimination is the persisting high levels of HIV-related stigma. Common misconceptions and negative attitudes not only harm people living with HIV but also discourage those at risk from accessing prevention (including HIV PrEP), testing and treatment.

Increasing HIV testing: Early diagnosis of HIV is key to both HIV transmission elimination and to ensure that people living with HIV can access treatment and care and improve their quality of life.

The role of the workforce: Supporting the implementation of key interventions towards HIV transmission elimination is a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach to workforce education, to address HIV stigma and update knowledge about HIV prevention, testing and treatment. To support this, a suite of HIV transmission elimination workforce education resources have been developed including ‘HIV Informed’.

HIV Informed – Toolkit

In partnership with NHS Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government as part of its national commitment to end new HIV transmission and tackle stigma, HIV Charity Waverley Care launched HIV Informed. This is a new online learning hub designed to help Scotland’s health and social care workforce build knowledge, confidence and understanding around HIV.

Through short videos, real-life stories, and interactive learning modules, HIV Informed provides accurate, up-to-date information about HIV today — from treatment and prevention to tackling stigma.

The goal is to ensure everyone working in health and social care can provide inclusive, stigma-free care and support people living with or affected by HIV.

This resource is available for all staff working across health and care in Scotland and is accessible to colleagues in all areas and in any clinical or non-clinical role.

Access the hub here: www.hiv-informed.scot

By working together, we can ensure we have a well-informed workforce which is ready to challenge HIV stigma and support Scotland’s goal of zero HIV transmissions in Scotland by 2030.