Newcastle scheme to tackle HIV stigma gets Government approval

A Newcastle 'HIV confident' scheme has been backed as part of a new UK plan to stop new cases by 2030.

- By SAM VOLPE

The Government has launched a five-year action plan, and cited the work in Newcastle as “promising practice” that should be copied elsewhere.

This time last year, the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust became the only hospital trust outside of London to formally sign up to be an 'HIV Confident' organisation.

This scheme, set up by the National AIDS Trust, aidsmap and Positively UK organisations, aims to eradicate stigma around the condition and increase knowledge and awareness.

On World AIDS Day this week, the Government launched its new plan and highlighted the Newcastle work. The new action plan aims to tackle stigma, increase testing and ensure everyone who needs treatment get it.