‘It’s A Sin’, the new drama on Channel 4 by Russell T Davies, is an especially timely reminder of the devastating consequences of the AIDS crisis in the 80s and 90s as the UK battles its own pandemic here in the 21s century. For those who haven’t yet watched it, it is a brilliant and poignant tribute to a lost generation of gay men as well as a thank you letter to the allies and activists who fought for action, transparency and research.
Like many governments around the world, the Conservative government at the time was too slow to react. Whilst across the Atlantic, where San Francisco and New York had been particularly badly hit, it took Reagan until 1987 to even publicly acknowledge the disease.
Stigma, shame and the link between gay men and the disease (although it killed many millions regardless of sexuality or gender) hampered progress and stifled the opportunity to save lives.
Now, thanks to modern antiretroviral treatment, HIV is no longer a death sentence and people diagnosed with HIV can expect long and healthy lives. We have certainly come a long way, but there is still much more to do.
The pioneering work of the Terrence Higgins Trust, National AIDS Trust and Elton John AIDS Foundation has set out a proposal for the eradication in England of HIV. Something that Matt Hancock MP, and our Tory Reform Group patron Seema Kennedy, welcomed at the time.
This summer the Government is proposing to outline its response. If we are to learn any lessons from the past this strategy demands bold actions from the Government.
Firstly, as we have seen in the COVID pandemic, the importance of testing cannot be understated. This week is National HIV Testing Week, when people will be encouraged to apply for tests at home. Currently sexual health clinics don’t routinely offer HIV tests to the 250,000 people who visit clinics – everyone should be encouraged to test and know their status. Stepping up HIV testing will allow the 5,900 people who remain undiagnosed to seek support and treatment.
At the same time introducing an ‘opt out’ system to bring in the routine testing of any blood when it is screened for other health conditions. This would ensure mass testing would become the standard when you are in accident and emergency, have routine smear tests or register for a GP.
GPs have an absolutely crucial role to play, and their Core GP Contract must be reviewed to include the distribution of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help combat future transmission. Many people rely solely on sexual health clinics for support but here their local GPs, especially in rural areas, would provide a vital source of information, education and prevention. Challenging the stigma as well is important, people must feel comfortable seeking advice from GPs who, in turn, must be as well versed as colleagues at sexual health clinics.
It is here that local government, as well, must step up to face the challenge. From local healthcare providers, GPs and community centres we must see a redoubling of efforts to ensure that at risk communities are provided with not only information but support. Studies show that BAME men and trans women are still disproportionately impacted and we must ensure they are reached through engagement and education. And yes, this includes a call to address the funding for sexual health which has been cut previously.
‘It’s A Sin’ has shone a light on a devastating lost generation, but also on the risk of inaction from policymakers. Government commitment to end HIV transmissions by 2030 is to be commended, but there are some practical steps which require an effort from GPs, local government and sexual health clinics to work together. Much is resting on this summer’s HIV action plan, and to redress the inaction of the past we need bold decisions from our politicians to ensure that new HIV transmissions can stay firmly where they belong, in the past.
James Baker, Tory Reform Board Member