The Committee is running an inquiry into the progress that has been made with the treatment of HIV in Scotland.

In running this inquiry, the Committee wants to:

• focus on the importance of reducing stigma associated with HIV
• raise awareness of treatments available
• learn more about the Scottish Government’s strategy for ending the transmission of HIV by 2030
• learn about what more can be done to help achieve the Government’s aim.

In taking evidence to date, the Committee has explored:

• support for people with HIV in Scotland and reflected on the policies behind the Scottish Government’s approach
• barriers to healthcare for people living with HIV
• the recent introduction of opt out blood borne virus testing pilots in three Scottish Health Boards

Opt-out testing means that when people attend an accident and emergency unit for a blood test, they will automatically be screened for HIV and viral hepatitis, unless they choose to opt out. The approach has been successfully piloted in England in areas with the highest levels of HIV prevalence. The UK Government are considering the extension of opt out testing to a further 43 emergency departments.