Campaign launched to end HIV transmission rates

The PaSH Partnership (BHA for Equality, George House Trust and LGBT Foundation) has launched a new campaign across Greater Manchester as the city region steps up efforts to end all new transmissions of HIV.

The campaign features images and real-life stories from a broad range of Greater Manchester residents with a simple message: ‘HIV: Let’s sort this together’.

It aims to inspire everyone to take steps to help end HIV transmission rates, which are currently higher in Greater Manchester than the national average.

The campaign, which focuses on a ‘Test, Manage, Prevent’ message, encourages people to take regular HIV tests, and manage the possible risks of HIV transmission during sex. For people living with HIV, the campaign highlights the fact that effective treatment means that HIV cannot be passed on through sex, a fact now universally recognised as ‘U=U’ (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

A website has been launched, giving details about the different ways to test for HIV – including home testing and testing in local community spaces. It provides advice on access to condoms, PrEP, and PEP which are medications that help to prevent HIV transmission.

Jim Kemp, who is part of the campaign, said: “As a man living with HIV, I feel that it is important that we start a conversation about HIV and prevention. Talking about it openly is the only way that we can break the stigma that surrounds the topic. This campaign is really a step forward in terms of promoting HIV testing, prevention and management and it is a campaign that I am really excited to be involved with."

It is estimated that there are more than 5,900 people across Greater Manchester who are living with HIV - a percentage of the regional population, which is higher than the national average and which, in some boroughs, is more than double the national rate.

In addition, an estimated 745 people in Greater Manchester are unaware that they are living with HIV.

In 2018, there were over 250 diagnoses of HIV in the city region. Almost half (42.7%) of these are late diagnoses, meaning that treatment is potentially costlier and less likely to be effective.

The Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership has invested £1.3 million in an ambitious programme of action and support, developed and delivered in collaboration with local organisations and communities.

In conjunction with the new campaign, this includes upscaling HIV testing, establishing new services, and support tailored to individual needs.

Greater Manchester is part of the Fast-Track Cities Network, having joined more than 250 other cities around the world, leading the way by taking combined action, sharing best practice and tackling HIV related stigma and discrimination.

Eighteen months after announcing its Fast-Track City ambitions, the city region has surpassed initial targets of ensuring that 90% of all people living with HIV are diagnosed, 90% of people diagnosed are on treatment, and 90% of people on treatment have an undetectable viral load, meaning that HIV cannot be passed on.

Rob Cookson, Deputy Chief Executive of LGBT Foundation, said: “The launch of this campaign is a key part of delivering on Greater Manchester’s proud ambition to end stigma and end all new transmissions of HIV. 

“This campaign helps to raise the profile of HIV, helping to inform more people of the benefits of regular HIV testing, early diagnosis and prompt treatment. 

“This innovative community-led HIV campaign is supported by an intensive programme of work, including group and one-to-one support for people most at risk of acquiring HIV.

“The message is clear; HIV: Lets Sort this Together.”

• www.SortHIV.org.uk