There is a danger of HIV prevention programmes winding down and that when a later attempt is
made to restart them, key staff and organisations may no longer be around.
I have serious concerns about capacity at GUM clinics. If we are going
to have a national campaign to encourage people to come forward for HIV
testing, then resources need to follow the additional demands on services.
At the moment, I simply do not have any additional resources.
NHS priorities are coronary heart disease, mental health, older people,
diabetes and cancer - and reducing waiting times. Not sexual health. Just
talk to someone living with HIV and within 10 minutes, you realise why
HIV remains so different and complex. People living with HIV are going
to have to shout louder.
They may be tired of doing this, but it is in fact a good time to do so.
PCTs are still in their infancy, and want guidance about what is needed
at local level. It is best to do this through existing HIV voluntary organisations.
The first task will be to find out who is commissioning HIV services in
your area.
page 4 of 8
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Africans say:
Max Sesay, Director of the African HIV Policy Network:
In theory, there are opportunities in HIV mainstreaming. It may give African
organisations a chance to broaden their health remit away from HIV and
into other areas that affect the African community: TB, safer sex in general,
mental health, alcohol and drugs. It could give gay men's organisations
the same opportunities too. In the
long run, we may be able to address all our health issues, not just be defined by our
vulnerability to HIV.
