30 November 2017
Ahead of World AIDS Day 2017, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backed Scotland’s HIV Anti-Stigma campaign by taking an instant result HIV self-test.
Supported by George Valiotis, CEO of HIV Scotland, the First Minister became the first UK government leader to publicly take an HIV test.
First Minister @NicolaSturgeon supports @HIVScotland anti-stigma campaign and takes an #HIV self-test to help raise awareness of the virus in Scotland. #ZeroHIVStigma #WorldAIDSDay2017 pic.twitter.com/eEaHhbZpSa
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) November 29, 2017
Scotland's First Minister @nicolasturgeon becomes the first UK government leader to publicly take an HIV test. Ahead of World AIDS Day on Friday, the FM said she wanted to help tackle the stigma around the virus. @hivscotland #zerohivstigma pic.twitter.com/BKPfv9Ja6Q
— Alan Jenkins (@ajjenkins) November 29, 2017
Stigma remains a key issue for people living with HIV in Scotland and is one of the biggest barriers to testing. It undermines prevention efforts and can stop people from accessing treatment and support.
The First Minister said:
We can all play our part in making life better for those living with HIV. It is important that we continue to work together to eradicate the stigma around the virus and tackle the false myths and prejudices that still surround it.
“Especially on World AIDS Day, and in the months and years to come, I invite you to join me and help raise awareness around HIV. By doing so, we will be paying a fitting tribute to those who have lost their lives and – most importantly – we can contribute to reducing the risk of new infections.”
Honoured to join @NicolaSturgeon ahead of World AIDS Day, as she became first U.K. Gov leader to publicly take an HIV test. #zeroHIVstigma https://t.co/rtFMPUxRBg
— HIV Scotland (@HIVScotland) November 29, 2017
It was great to see FM @NicolaSturgeon take an HIV test ahead of World AIDS Day. #zeroHIVstigma. pic.twitter.com/ZOLmgEOYQE
— Nathan Sparling (@nathansparkling) November 29, 2017
Honoured to have @NicolaSturgeon, the First Minister raise awareness of #HIV testing and #stigma #zerohivstigma @HIVScotland https://t.co/JGa69K5R4m
— George Valiotis (@GeorgeConverses) November 29, 2017