Local MSP Ruth Maguire has backed calls to encourage people to get tested during this year’s HIV Testing Week.
HIV Testing Week Scotland takes place between 18 and 25 November 2016 as part of the wider European Testing Week, and aims to reach the estimated one in six people in Scotland who are living with HIV but unaware of their infection.
The Cunninghame South MSP recently submitted a parliamentary motion highlighting the importance of raising awareness of HIV and commending the work of organisations across Scotland such as HIV Scotland, Positive Help, SX, Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland and Waverley Care in coordinating the week-long campaign in partnership with NHS boards.
Commenting, Ruth said:
‘Everyone in Scotland has an HIV status, and increasing awareness of, and access to, HIV testing plays a key role in reducing future HIV infections and putting people in control of their status. It is important that we work towards ending HIV-related stigma to ensure that more people get tested and that people living with HIV can be better supported to lead healthy and fulfilling lives’
Ruth Maguire MSP 