7. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: World AIDS Day

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:20 pm on 30 November 2021.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 5:20, 30 November 2021

(Translated)

Thank you very much, Rhun. I'd also like to put on record my thanks for the work done by Fast-Track Cities Cardiff, and I do think that the testing week is something that will become very important in the history of HIV annually in our country. Like you, I'd like to see that being focused—it does make sense to focus on those areas where we know there are more cases than in other places. 

We're also keen to stop the transmission of HIV, as the WHO encourages us to do. Of course, if we can do that before 2030, that would be important for us to see and, of course, we will need to hear what this group that we have established will have to say on that. I think it is important that we do look at good practice in other countries. You talked about New Zealand, staying safe. Not developing this at the outset makes a lot of sense, so that's why giving people PrEP is a great help. We've given about 2,197 prescriptions for PrEP to about 1,300 people. 

I think you have seen our commitment as a party in our manifesto to tackle HIV. it's clear to see, and we're very eager to see that developing. That's why we will have to wait to see what this new partnership comes up with in terms of what they recommend as a strategy. I do hope to see a clear timetable for what they will suggest, and we will need funding to accompany that, of course. So, I'm looking forward to providing more detail on that once they've made their recommendations.

I do agree, in terms of mental health, that that's something we need to take seriously, and Lynne Neagle will be looking into that, and that will be an important part of her work.

And in terms of prescribing and monitoring remotely, that has been effective, as you said, but you are right—some people will want that direct contact, and so it's important that we do provide that service and maintain that. Thank you.