Publish date: 30 November 2023
This World Aids Day (Friday 1 December), we're highlighting some of the work the Trust has planned to progress towards the NHS and UK Government's target of ending HIV transmissions by 2030.
World Aids Day was started in 1988 to raise awareness of the illness and remember those who have died.
Sadly there is still a stigma attached to HIV and Aids, which is why it's so important we continue to raise awareness around the issue and campaign for change.
The NHS and the UK Government have set out their plan called The HIV Action Plan for England 2022 to 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/towards-zero-the-hiv-action-plan-for-england-2022-to-2025
Within the Trust, we're looking to adopt the National Aid Trust's HIV friendly charter, which has been set up across organisations to tackle the HIV stigma and discrimination that both staff and service users face.
This will include training and a campaign to raise awareness of HIV and Aids and the impact on both physical and mental health.
Aids is an immunodeficiency syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV.
The virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other diseases.
Skye Wright, the Trust's trans representative, and co-chair of the LGBTQ+ staff network said:
"World Aids Day is a global initiative to raise awareness, combat stigma and commemorate those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
"Despite breakthroughs in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDs, stigma remains a pervasive challenge for us to face.
"Stigma negatively impacts the mental health and wellbeing of individuals living with the condition and fuels feelings of isolation, discrimination, and shame which can hinder individuals from seeking testing, treatment, and support.
"Not only that but it can drastically increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety."
They added: "Let's collectively work towards a world where HIV/Aids is no longer a public health threat and where individuals living with HIV can thrive without the burden of stigma."
To mark World Aids Day, the National Aids Trust has created a special animation which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7CdQOuc3vQ
Currently there are more than 105,000 people living in the UK with HIV. Meanwhile, globally there are more than 38 million people living with the virus.
Thanks to advancements in medicine there is a much greater life expectancy for people living with the illness than in the past.
However, there still needs to be education and awareness so people understand the illness and how it's transmitted.
Carolyn Regan, Chief Executive of West London NHS Trust, said: "As we mark World AIDS Day 2023, we must continue to work on breaking down barriers and dispelling the enduring myths.
“At West London NHS Trust, we champion inclusivity, affirming our dedication to eradicating HIV stigma.
“Together, let's forge a future where compassion and empathy prevail and every individual's journey towards wellness is supported."