Understanding HIV

People living with HIV frequently encounter prejudice and discrimination because of their condition. Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland has supported people who have been bullied, intimidated and even threatened with violence because of their HIV. Discrimination also occurs in formal settings like workplaces, schools, in the NHS and the criminal justice system. The fear and isolation this can create not only hurts those people and families currently affected by HIV; it also acts as a major barrier to testing, discouraging people at risk from coming forward.

Lack of public understanding about HIV and how it is transmitted allows misinformation and prejudice to take hold. A survey published in 2008 found that people in Scotland are amongst the least knowledgeable about HIV in the UK.

The Scottish Government has pledged to do more to increase people's awareness of HIV and sexual health in Scotland. We would like to see a public awareness campaign which improves people's knowledge of HIV transmission routes and addresses HIV related stigma.

Write to your MSP in support of our campaign.