Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:02 pm on 14 June 2022.
The 26 actions are underpinned by three core principles: that there should be zero tolerance of HIV-related stigma; that all plans for implementation of new initiatives and services will be informed by, or developed with, people living with HIV. Alongside this, there will be a recognition of contextual differences by sexuality, ethnicity, age, gender and location. All new initiatives and services will be subject to ongoing monitoring and evaluation to make sure that they meet the actions and principles laid out in the plan. The group was clear that no-one should be left behind, that inclusivity and diversity should be encouraged and celebrated, and that all the communities we serve should be an integral part of the dialogue, the debate and the decision making on HIV going forward.
The 26 actions are focused on five key areas: prevention, testing, clinical care, living well with HIV and tackling HIV-related stigma. In addition, there are five key overarching actions. Firs, establishing Wales as a Fast Track Nation. Building on the great success of Fast Track Cardiff & Vale, the first fast-track collaboration in Wales, which has been a highly successful in involving local public bodies, increasing collaborative work, and producing new initiatives, including GP support for HIV testing and an advocacy network, both of which have attracted non-statutory funding. The aspiration of the plan is to make Wales a Fast Track Nation, with networks throughout Wales that would collaborate to help achieve Wales's ambition to have no new HIV cases by 2030.
Secondly, recognising the importance of, and increasing the involvement of voluntary and community groups. This action plan has been developed with partners such as Pride Cymru and Terrence Higgins Trust, whose work builds on the legacy of Cardiff AIDS helpline and Cardiff Body Positive. In addition to their work, the work of third sector HIV groups like PrEPster, National AIDS Trust, Positively UK and CHIVA, the children's HIV association, have all been vital in the fight against HIV in recent years. All of these organisations will remain instrumental in the fight against HIV in the coming years.
Thirdly, funding and developing an all-Wales sexual health case-management system. This system will be transformative in the way that sexual health data and intelligence is collected and the way in which trends are monitored. Fourthly, health boards and trusts will be required to report annually to the Welsh Government on how the actions from the HIV action plan are being taken forward and are making a difference. And lastly, establishing an action plan oversight group, which will monitor the impact that the delivery of the action plan has made.
I'm hugely grateful to those partners and stakeholders who have co-created this plan. The plan will now be subject to a 12-week consultation period. I encourage as many people as possible to contribute to this process and to respond and comment on the proposed actions. I firmly believe that, by accepting and implementing these actions, we can make a significant difference to the lives of people living with HIV and in protecting current and future generations from the virus. I look forward to reading the consultation responses and to bringing the final plan back to the Senedd later in the year. Thank you.