Fast Track Cities... an important step in raising awareness around hiv

Fast Track Cities: Zero New HIV Diagnoses by 2030 is achievable Northern Ireland could lead the way, through United Nations AIDS declaration

Northern Ireland has been officially declared a Fast Track Region today (Tuesday 23 April 2024), with the signing of a United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS) declaration aimed at reaching zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030.

The Fast-Track Cities “Paris Declaration” was signed on behalf of Derry City and Strabane District Council by Deputy Mayor Councillor Jason Barr and by Councillor Ryan Murphy, Lord Mayor of Belfast City Council.

Fast-Track Cities is a global partnership involving cities and municipalities around the world. In Northern Ireland, the initiative is being led by the region’s only dedicated HIV charity, Positive Life. The most recent HIV report from the Public Health Agency* showed that in 2022 there were 1,348 people living with HIV in Northern Ireland, of whom 1,049 were men and 299 were women. In 2022, this included 52 people who hadn’t previously been diagnosed.

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said,

“This is the most exciting step forward for HIV in Northern Ireland for decades. While there have been improvements in diagnosis and care, we cannot be complacent.

“There remains a real need for ongoing public awareness and education around the very serious health risks and impacts of HIV; secondly, a lot of work still needs to be done to break down the public stigma around HIV, which is based on many myths, prejudices and outdated misconceptions. These deeply affect the way individuals with HIV – and their families and friends - live their lives. Finally, we need to keep up the drive for regular HIV testing, because the statistics show that 1 in 3 people diagnosed in Northern Ireland were diagnosed at a late stage, meaning that they had the virus for some years prior to diagnosis.

“By joining in this global movement and with a stronger focus at a grassroots, community public health level, we firmly believe that Northern Ireland could achieve the Fast Track Cities goal of zero new HIV diagnoses in Northern Ireland by 2030. How amazing would that be for Northern Ireland?”

Speaking on behalf of Fast Track Cities, Dr. José M. Zuniga, President/CEO, IAPAC (International Assocation of Providers of AIDS Care) said, “IAPAC welcomes Belfast and Derry’s inclusion in the Fast-Track Cities network, which marks a pivotal step in Northern Ireland’s response to HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV). Their commitment to community, public health, and political leadership is critical as they strive to end their HIV epidemic and eliminate HCV infections by 2030. Together Northern Ireland’s two most populous cities exemplify the power of collaboration and solidarity to create healthier communities.”

Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick, along with major cities across the UK have been signed up to Fast Track Cities for several years. Internationally, work undertaken through various Fast Track HIV initiatives has shaped national HIV strategies and action plans.

The signing event in Belfast was attended by community health officers from councils across Northern Ireland, as well as sexual health clinicians and public health officials. The event also heard from three individuals who have benefited from the support of Positive Life. The three men shared their very personal experiences of living with HIV in Northern Ireland, in particular the stigma they have faced in all circles of their lives, from family and friends, to the workplace.

Jacquie Richardson of Positive Life commented, “For those who grew up in the 1980’s, we have come a very, very long way. However, stigma remains a serious concern for people affected by the virus and leads to feelings of shame and fear. We need to increase public awareness and ‘normalise’ the conversation around HIV. The key is knowledge, to get regularly tested and know your status, and to access treatment at the earliest opportunity. Our hope is to wipe out new cases of HIV in Northern Ireland, but there is much work still to be done.”

Dr Rachel Coyle, Public Health Consultant at the PHA said,

“The developments in HIV treatment and care over the last few decades are astonishing. Today, someone diagnosed early with HIV will be able to access highly effective treatment which makes the virus undetectable, so they cannot pass HIV to a sexual partner. HIV is not a barrier to having relationships, to having children or to leading a full and healthy life. The public health message is U=U: Undetectable equals Untransmittable.”

Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Jason Barr said,

“The signing of this pledge is an important step in our journey to raise awareness of the issues about living with HIV, reducing the stigma for those affected, and making Northern Ireland a Fast Track Region. It places us alongside cities and regions across the globe working towards the United Nations goal on diagnosis and treatment of HIV and to promote good quality of life for people living with HIV.”