Views

We’re calling on the next government to stand with people affected by HIV

The NAT appeal will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Easter Sunday at 07.55 and 21.26, and on Thursday April 20th at 15.27. In the week following its broadcast you will be able to listen to it on the Radio 4 website.

Reducing new HIV infections has been a priority in the UK ever since the epidemic’s outbreak. It’s taken so seriously the vast majority of ways to prevent infection are free to those who need them. Condoms and lube can be accessed for free, people who inject drugs should have access to free injecting equipment through Needle and Syringe Programmes, and people can begin HIV treatment (also free) immediately if this reduces their risk of passing on HIV to others. These methods have and will continue to contribute to the UK’s relatively successful response to the epidemic.

Although HIV treatment and care in the UK isn’t perfect, we can be proud it’s amongst the best in the world. This is in stark contrast to the treatment of people living with hep C – and nowhere is this more apparent than in the current struggle to access new hep C treatment.

NHS England is now looking at making changes to how 'specialised services' like HIV are commissioned. Depending on the approach they take, it could amount to what is effectively another restructure of the current system - but they aren't giving a lot of details.

In the four years since the abolition of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was first proposed by the Government, I have heard a cacophony of concern from people living with HIV, HIV doctors and HIV support organisations.

Treatment for HIV involves combining drugs from three different classes of anti-retroviral (ARVs) and there are single pill regimens that contain such combinations. Pills which only have to be taken with one or two others, and only once a day, are also available and are popular.