A GLOBAL leader in the fight to end the Aids epidemic has visited Brighton to observe how the city has led the way in HIV prevention and treatment.
In 2016, Brighton became the first city in the UK to join the fast-track cities initiative– a group of cities around the world that pledged to work towards zero new HIV infections.
The city claimed its reputation of being a world leader in HIV prevention and care by exceeding the initiative’s target of "90-90-90".
A total of 93 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 99 per cent of those are on treatment and 98 per cent of those on treatment are undetectable, which means levels of virus in the blood are so low that they cannot pass on HIV.
Executive director of Unaids Winnie Byanyima visited Brighton as part of her UK visit.
Winnie is a global leader in the United Nations’ efforts to end the Aids epidemic by 2030 and is a champion of social justice and gender equality.
During the visit, she observed the Jubilee Library’s HIV test vending machines and met with local community organisations involved in HIV prevention and care in the city.
Installed by the Martin Fisher Foundation in 2017, the machines distribute free self-tests, which give a result in just a few minutes.
The machines, the first of their kind worldwide, have been instrumental in Brighton to improve diagnosis rates and destigmatise testing.
Winnie also met with local MPs and the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council to discuss the city’s successful approach to HIV prevention and treatment.
She also had the opportunity to attend Lunch Positive - a voluntary community organisation which runs a weekly lunch club, providing a supportive space for people living with or affected by HIV.
The final stop of the visit was to Brighton’s Aids memorial in New Steine gardens for a moment of reflection and remembrance.
Created by Romany Mark Bruce, the sculpture was inspired by Paul Tay - Romany’s friend who died from Aids-related illnesses in 1992.
Winnie had the opportunity to meet the artist and discuss their inspiration behind the piece.
Winnie said Brighton has made significant progress in the fight against HIV due to their “innovative approach”.
“The HIV test vending machines have been fundamental in allowing individuals to take control of their sexual health and the local organisations there are the life force of people living with HIV,” she said.
“The work they have done over the past 40 years to build a community is invaluable.
“Brighton’s success shows the effectiveness of political action combined with community-centred support in the fight against HIV.
“I feel enriched by everything I’ve learned from the city’s services. We will use lessons learned in Brighton to inspire our global response to the Aids pandemic.”
Marc Tweed, Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton centre manager said: “Although we’re doing incredibly well here in Brighton, we have our sights set on achieving zero new cases by 2030 and must not be complacent.
“In order to achieve this goal, we need to see more funding for opt-out HIV testing in A and E and primary care and make every blood test count. By normalising HIV testing in these settings, we can reach the undiagnosed.
“HIV stigma and discrimination also remain a barrier to progress.
"In Brighton, our local organisations are working collaboratively towards a stigma-free city, however, we need to see a robust and fully-funded HIV action plan from the UK Government to ensure we can continue working to smash stigma and change perceptions of people living with HIV.”
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