The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, borough leaders, Public Health England and NHS England have all signed the Paris Declaration on Fast-Track Cities Ending the AIDS Epidemic.
The global initiative is aiming to reduce the number of new HIV infection cases, to ensure that people with the disease aren’t discriminated and to eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV.
In 2016, London was one of three cities to reach the targets set by the UN, managing to diagnose 90 per cent of HIV cases, treating 97 per cent of these and suppressing the virus in 97 per cent of those treated.
“By signing London up as a Fast-Track City, we are taking on the challenge to end new HIV infections in the capital by 2030”, said Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London. “As well as putting an end to new infections, I am clear that HIV-related stigma and discrimination must end too. Improving the quality of life and wellbeing of those living with HIV in London is a priority for me, which is why I’m proud to sign this commitment”.
The different partners involved in the initiative to tackle HIV in London will also be working together to prevent HIV-related deaths, as well as to continue to reach the UN targets and keep on improving on previous results.
According to results of a study conducted by Public Health England, it is estimated that in 2016 38,700 people in London suffered from HIV. These cases represent 43 per cent of the total of cases in England.
Despite the advances made, there is still a very serious stigma surrounding HIV and people who live with the infection are sometimes victims of discrimination. There is still much to be done to achieve the goals set out after the signing of the Declaration of Fast-Track Cities.
> Naomi Round
