§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department has taken to combat stigma in HIV(a) transmission and (b) illness. [20788]
§ Yvette CooperThe Department funds HIV and sexual health promotion for gay men, African communities and the general population. This includes information on how HIV is and is not transmitted and how to access national health service services. In addition, on 26 November last year, the National AIDS Trust, funded by the Department, launched a new pilot campaign, "Are You HIV Prejudiced?", aimed at raising awareness of HIV and AIDS and the negative effect of stigma and discrimination which can act as a barrier to people accessing testing and treatment and care services. The first ever national sexual health and HIV strategy highlighted the importance of reducing stigma associated with HIV. We are currently considering responses to the extensive consultation on the strategy, including replies specifically on addressing stigma.