2023 marks the 35th year where nations celebrate World AIDS Day. This year, it is commemorated with the theme ‘World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit’. Since 1988, communities locally, nationally and internationally have stood together on this day to show solidarity against stigma and remember those lives lost.
The world has witnessed significant progress in addressing HIV/AIDS thanks to advances in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus. During this time, there has also been a tremendous global advocacy community which has united to take on challenges and hold institutions to account for ensuring access to these advances.
The number of HIV diagnoses in England increased by 22% from 3118 in 2021 to 3805 in 2022. Most of this increase is attributed to people previously diagnosed abroad, a 69% increase from 805 in 2021 to 1361 in 2022. These infections were likely acquired abroad and therefore do not reflect a rise in transmission in England. In the UK, there were 688 deaths and 167 cases of AIDS at diagnoses in people with HIV in 2022. This marked a decrease in recorded deaths from 826 in 2021, and a decrease from the 187 cases of AIDS at diagnoses in 2021 (UK Health Security Agency, 2023).
Prevention remains key in the ongoing effort to end the HIV epidemic. We must continue to promote education, support safe practices that includes syringe services and overdose prevention programmes, as well as access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce new infections.
Increased awareness and education have contributed to a reduction in new HIV infections globally. Disseminating accurate information about HIV, and promoting prevention and testing, are crucial steps in increasing awareness and ending stigma and discrimination. Paramedics are ideally placed to make an effective contribution to the ongoing quest to end HIV and AIDS. Stigma and discrimination remain formidable barriers to effective HIV testing, prevention and care. Collaborative efforts have led to improved access to testing, treatment and support services; yet, in underserved communities, disparities persist in access to healthcare.
Programmes and initiatives responsive to local needs do best when driven by the voices of the most impacted communities. Paramedics can advocate for and participate in community-based initiatives aimed at reducing risky behaviours and promoting safe practices. It is imperative that care providers, commissioners and policymakers listen to what people with lived experience tell us about what works and what does not. Advocacy for inclusivity and sensitivity within the paramedic community is crucial to combating stigma, aligning with the Health and Care Professions Council's (HCPC) changes to be made to the standards of conduct performance and ethics: to promote an active approach to ensuring that registrants' practice supports equality, diversity and inclusion.
Advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV from a once-debilitating illness to a manageable chronic condition. Research and innovation play a pivotal role in the progress made in 40 years of the HIV epidemic. Committing to ongoing research is essential for developing new treatments and prevention methods, with the aim of finding a cure.
The challenges HIV brings are far from over. As we celebrate progress made, we must also acknowledge the challenges that persist and renew our commitment to a world where the stigma surrounding HIV is eradicated, and individuals living with the virus receive the care, respect and support they deserve. Paramedics, with their unique position in the healthcare continuum, are integral to achieving this vision.