Terrence Higgins Trust's main lobbying agenda is contained in '12 Things the Government can do' (published September 2011).
These are 12 goals for changes in legislation or guidance that we believe would make a great impact on the lives of people with HIV or those in at-risk groups:
- Halve undiagnosed and late diagnosis of HIV.
Update: We helped secure a measure on HIV diagnosis in the Public Health Outcomes Framework and continue to campaign for local investment in testing. - Increase training for teachers to deliver sex and relationships education.
Update: We have been involved in the Department for Education’s PSHE education review and are awaiting their response. - Make benefits assessments fair for people living with HIV.
Update: We are working with Atos to try to improve their guidance on HIV for assessors. - Maintain chlamydia screening.
Update: A measure on chlamydia screening and diagnosis was also included in the Public Health Outcomes Framework. - Sustain and develop national HIV prevention programmes.
Update: The new HIV Prevention England programme was launched in October 2012. - Give free treatment to everyone living with HIV in the UK.
Update: After years of pressure, the Department of Health has now ended any charging for HIV treatment with effect from October 2012. - Develop integrated standards of care for people living with HIV.
- Legalise home testing for HIV.
Update: The Department of Health has expressed support for an end to the ban and we expect a formal review in early 2013. - Enhance the HPV vaccination programme.
Update: From September 2012, a better HPV vaccine is now being used that protects against warts as well as cancers. We continue to campaign for boys and MSM to be vaccinated. - Ensure that local sexual health policy is based on expertise and evidence.
Update: The Department of Health have said that they expect Directors of Public Health to have chief officer status within Local Authorities and we will continue to monitor this. - Reform healthcare employment restrictions for people living with HIV.
Update: We contributed to a Department of Health consultation on the employment restrictions and are awaiting a response. - Make sex work safer.
Update: The Home Office is currently funding the ‘Ugly Mugs’ scheme to help better report crimes against sex workers and identify abusers.
To find out more, download the full document.