Ending HIV Transmission in Scotland by 2030 - elimination delivery plan 2023-2026: equality impact assessment

Stage 1: Framing

• Results of framing exercise

This Delivery Plan responds to the HIV Transmission Elimination Proposal, published in 2022, which provides much of the framing for this policy. Third sector and community organisations, public health, academia, primary care, and services including drug and alcohol/sexual health/HIV were brought together to draw upon lived experience and expertise rather than representing specific populations. The approach was collaborative and included participants from outside Scotland to strengthen the evidence base and broaden the perspective in setting recommendations.

A HIV Elimination Implementation Short Life Working Group, comprised of third sector and NHS Board representatives, was consulted during the planning and writing of this Delivery Plan to prioritise the HIVTE Proposal’s recommendations. This enabled us to understand the current challenges to achieving HIV transmission elimination, and the impact on service users. This in turn helped to determine what key issues should be focused on within the Delivery Plan in order to provide the most positive impact to services and service users.

• Extent / Level of EQIA required

The Delivery Plan provides prioritisation of the 22 HiTEOG recommendations into short, medium and longer term actions to ensure an effective approach that aligns with the realities of workforce capacity and finite resources. Eliminating HIV transmission and reducing stigma around HIV will impact on those with protected characteristics and officials have worked with various stakeholders to ensure that protected characteristics are considered through this policy. At the heart of the policy is a goal to end HIV transmission, and ensure that people living with HIV have the support they need, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, deprivation or disability status. There is anticipated to be minimal negative impact in regards to other protected characteristics as a result of this Plan.