Ministear airson Siainte Poblach Minister for Public Health

Micheal Matheson SPA Michael Matheson MSP

FIT:0845 7741741
E: scottish.ministers@scotland.gsLgov.uk

The Scottish Government

Ms Kezia Dugdale MSP The Scottish Parliament EDINBURGH EH991SP

Ur faidhlelYour ref:GC - 08/08/11 Ar faidhle/Our ref: 2011/1014107 August 2011 Dear Kezia Thank you for your letter of 8 August regarding funding for HIV support services in Scotland. I am replying on behalf of Ms Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy. The Scottish Government recognises HIV as a major public health challenge. HIV is one of the four elements of the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework, an outcomes based strategy, which will be published shortly. The Framework sets out clear action for addressing HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection and improving sexual health and wellbeing in Scotland. Prevention of new infection is a key element of the framework, as is reducing rates of undiagnosed infection and late diagnosis. As part of the delivery of the Framework, NHS Boards and their partners will be asked to demonstrate effective, partnership approaches to the prevention of HIV and support for those living with, and affected by HIV. Scottish Government currently fund a number of Third Sector agencies with a role in supporting people living with HIV and in promoting the prevention of HIV. Funding is provided to Waverley Care, LGBT Youth Scotland and the National AIDS Trust. Additionally, a small amount of funding is made available annually to promote HIV awareness on World AIDS Day. Officials will be meeting with third sector colleagues shortly to consider approaches for this year's event. Organisations also have access to 16b Grant Funding if their bids have relevance nationally. Scottish Government also fund HIV Scotland, the national umbrella organisation for HIV which provides a representative voice for the third sector, advises on HIV policy and has an advocacy role in representing people living with HIV in Scotland.

Taigh Naomh Anndrais, Rathad Regent, Dun Eideann EH1 3DG St Andrew's House. Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG www.scotland.gov.uk

NHS Boards receive an annual allocation to support the implementation of the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework, part of which includes funding for the prevention of blood borne viruses. NHS Boards use these monies for both statutory and third sector services. A number of other Third Sector organisations, such as THT and Gay Men's Health. who provide HIV support and prevention activities, are funded by NHS Boards using this allocation. HIV epidemiology in Scotland shows that those most vulnerable to HIV are men who have sex with men (MSM) and those from areas of high prevalence, notably African countries. Third Sector organisations in Scotland reflect this epidemiology and provide support and prevention initiatives to those most at risk. As you will be aware, the risk of HIV transmission through injecting drug use has fallen significantly over recent years, however people who inject drugs are at a high risk of contracting hepatitis C. NHS Boards fund harm reduction initiatives through both the statutory and third sector, which helps to prevent transmission of all infection in this vulnerable group. I hope you find this information helpful.

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Michael Matheson

Taigh Naomh Anndrais, Rathad Regent, Dun Eideann EH13DG St Andrew's House, Regent Road. Edinburgh EH1 3DG www.scotland.gov.uk

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