MSP does his bit to highlight the World Aids Day campaign
Alexander Stewart MSP backs the HIV/World Aids Day 2016 campaign Conservative MSP and Perth councillor Alexander Stewart yesterday backed a campaign for World Aids Day.
The international day to remember the 35 million people who have died worldwide from Aid-related illnesses, to prevent new cases of HIV and to stand in solidarity with people who are currently living with the virus.
The Mid-Scotland and Fife politician signed up for the campaign‘What will you do?’, to promote access to HIV testing in the area.
Commenting, Mr. Stewart said:“The rate of new HIV infections in Scotland has not changed for the last ten years.
“One person, on average, is diagnosed with HIV every single day.
“This is despite the fact that new infections are entirely preventable. Promoting access to HIV testing and providing more education on the ways in which contraction of the virus can be prevented can also make a huge difference to the future HIV infection rate in Scotland.”
“It is extremely important to know that when a person is adhering to treatment, the amount of virus in their body can become undetectable meaning that the virus will not be passed on.
“Treatment is, of course, only possible if a person knows their status—access to testing needs to be made easier.”