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A new briefing from HIV Outcomes UK, a coalition of HIV experts, has warned that Scotland’s target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030 is at risk, with funding reductions impacting access to vital charity support services for people living with HIV.
The briefing – HIV services at the crossroads: Scotland – draws on evidence taken from HIV-focused charities in Scotland, and insights from people living with HIV. It will be launched at an event hosted by Waverley Care in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 12 June.
The report found that:
- No Scottish organisation felt completely able to meet demand for their services over the last five years, and none are very confident that they will be able to deliver services over the next three years.
- The two largest organisations that provide HIV services in Scotland have, to varying degrees, had to reduce their staff numbers, close or adapt services because of funding cuts, and use cash reserves to cover operating costs.
These insights come whilst, at the same time, the evidence highlighted that:
- Nine in ten people living with HIV in Scotland reported that they feel more empowered and confident in managing their HIV after accessing services.
It is clear that HIV charities in Scotland continue to deliver life-changing – and often life-saving – support. The research shows how they deliver vital, cost-effective services which tackle stigma, and respond to health inequalities that statutory systems often overlook. From peer support to housing assistance, these services address 80% of the factors determining health outcomes, yet are often delivered on precarious, short-term funding.
The continuation of life-changing support services in Scotland is under threat, with increasing demand for services coupled with severe funding challenges. If this trajectory continues, and without substantive action, the goals of the Scottish Transmission Elimination Delivery Plan will not be met, and people living with HIV will have higher unmet need and decreased quality of life.
With case studies from Scottish charities and people that they have supported, the briefing makes a powerful case for these crucial services, and outlines why they must be safeguarded.
The briefing sets out urgent recommendations for the Scottish Government:
- Develop a new HIV Transmission Elimination Delivery Plan from 2026, with an enhanced remit to include both ending new cases of HIV in Scotland by 2030 and ensuring people living with HIV in Scotland have a good quality of life.
- Establish a baseline offer for peer support provision to which NHS Boards must adhere.
- Establish a national framework for HIV retention and re-engagement, supporting the one in six people living with diagnosed HIV in Scotland that are no longer engaged with HIV clinical services.
- Ensure sustainability for voluntary sector HIV testing, prevention and anti-stigma interventions.
This Scottish-specific briefing builds on the UK-wide report, HIV Services at the Crossroads, which brought attention to the growing challenges faced by people living with HIV and the charities that support them across the UK.
James Cole, Senior Policy Manager, National AIDS Trust, said:
“HIV charities in Scotland change lives every day. Our research shows that services help people to live well with HIV and consistently reach underserved communities. But their ability to keep delivering this vital work is under serious threat.
We hope this report is a wake-up call to the Scottish Government. Without urgent action – including a new national plan, a baseline for peer support, and proper investment in prevention and re-engagement – we risk missing the opportunity to end new cases of HIV by 2030, and failing the people already living with the virus. With the right targeted investments and partnerships, the Scottish Government can continue their leadership and get the HIV response back on track.”
Dr Nicoletta Policek, Co-Chair, HIV Outcomes UK, and Chair, UK Community Advisory Board, said:
“Living with HIV in Scotland, I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing peer and community support can be – and how devastating it is when that support isn’t there. Too often, it still comes down to your postcode. I’ve spoken with many women, older people, migrants, and people in rural communities who feel left behind by a system that’s supposed to care for everyone.”
“This report makes clear what many of us already know: we need a new national HIV plan for Scotland – one that puts people first. That means funding peer support, investing in outreach, and partnering with communities. If the Scottish Government is serious about ending HIV transmission and improving quality of life, we must let communities lead.”
Grant Sugden, Chief Executive, Waverley Care, said:
“This report clearly demonstrates the life-changing impact that Waverley Care and other HIV charities have in improving the physical and mental health, and engagement in care, of people living with HIV in Scotland. However, it also highlights the significant and growing challenges our sector faces, particularly around long-term funding and sustainability.
“We welcome the report’s recommendations and look forward to working with the Scottish Government, NHS boards, and our partners to ensure they are implemented. We hope our upcoming roundtable at the Scottish Parliament on 12 June will be a valuable opportunity to discuss the findings and help shape a stronger, more sustainable future for HIV support services in Scotland.”
Alan Eagleson, Head of Scotland Services, Terrence Higgins Trust, said:
“Scotland could be the first country in the world to end new HIV cases. We’re proud of the role we are playing in that mission, from delivering testing, supporting people living with HIV and campaigning to smash stigma.
“The voluntary sector will be crucial to getting on track to achieve our shared goal by 2030. First up, that means ensuring that voluntary support is embedded in the Scottish government’s new opt-out HIV testing programme from the very start.”
Rachel Helms, CEO, Positive Help, said:
“As a trusted partner to the NHS and local authority, we provide volunteer-powered support to isolated adults, children and families in the community for as long as they need it. Our person-centred approach helps people access care, stay engaged in treatment, and make good use of services they’re entitled to.”
“Zara’s story shows the difference this makes: Newly diagnosed with HIV and pregnant, she faced stigma, visa restrictions, and poor mental health. We helped her attend hospital appointments, stabilise her health, and protect her baby. When things were tough, we stayed the course. Years on, we’re still supporting her and her children with emotional and practical help. This work takes time.”
“This is what Positive Help’s almost forty years of experience in the field has shown works well: building trust, walking alongside people, helping them overcome stigma, and move forward positively. In the long run, it’s about best value all round.”
UK-UNB-1274; June 2025
