The report outlines how HIV data reporting will be improved, including through the publication of refined data on rates of undiagnosed HIV in Scotland, the monitoring of HIV stigma and the reporting of data on HIV indicator condition testing. Alongside improved data reporting for HIV, the Data Monitoring Plan also sets out how Public Health Scotland will monitor commitments on HCV, HBV, STIs, reproductive health and sexual wellbeing.

The Scottish Government published the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Action Plan in November 2023. The plan included commitments to develop a definition of sexual wellbeing, deliver a national online postal STI testing service and publish a Delivery Plan for ending new cases of HIV in Scotland by 2030. The HIV Transmission Elimination Delivery Plan was published in March 2024.

Alan Eagleson, Head of Scotland Services at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘Data is a key tool in our efforts to end new cases of HIV by 2030 and tackle HIV stigma, allowing us to effectively monitor the epidemic and target interventions towards those who need it most. It is extremely welcome that Public Health Scotland have recognised this in the publication of the Data Monitoring Plan.

‘Robust and accurate data is also central to the development of HIV services and to our work to ensure that people living with HIV are supported to engage with treatment and care. We already know that a growing number of people living with HIV in Scotland are 'lost' to care – the Scottish Government can and must act on this now with a national re-engagement programme.

‘Almost two years on from the publication of the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Action Plan, the Scottish Government is yet to deliver on its commitment to roll-out a national postal testing service for HIV and STIs. This must now happen at pace to drive down rising STI rates and address the postcode lottery in STI testing.’