NAT launches guide to confidentiality in healthcare for people living with HIV

NAT has launched a new guide for people living with HIV explaining the basic principles of confidentiality in healthcare. The guide, ‘Personal information and the NHS’, goes through common concerns that people living with HIV might have about their HIV status, explains how their personal information will be handled, and gives practical advice about what to do if they have any concerns.

On Human Rights Day NAT speaks out against employment discrimination

On Human Rights Day 2010 – the theme ‘human rights defenders who act to end discrimination’ – NAT calls for the Government to respect the right to work of all people with HIV in the UK.  The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognises at Article 6 the right to work, and at Article 2 that the right must be exercised without discrimination.

NAT announces the launch of new ‘HIV Activists Network’ on World AIDS Day

This World AIDS Day – as we encourage everyone to ‘Act Aware’ – NAT is delighted to launch their new ‘HIV Activists Network’. The network has been established to give people living with HIV a stronger voice on a wide range of topics that matter to them; including stigma and discrimination, funding for effective HIV prevention, treatment and support, poverty and HIV education and awareness.

White Paper brings welcome focus on public health - success on HIV will be a key test

On the day before World AIDS Day, the Government has published its Public Health White Paper 'Healthy Lives, Healthy People'.

UK HIV diagnoses - still high, still late

New figures on HIV from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reveal the number of diagnoses of HIV transmission occurring in the UK remain high, with no indication as yet of a decline. 

NAT welcomes new trial results which show taking anti-HIV drugs might prevent HIV infection

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), comments:

NAT welcomes the findings within independent review of WCA

NAT welcomes the findings, released today, within Professor Malcolm Harrington’s independent review of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA)*.  We fully support the call for change to ‘improve the fairness and effectiveness of the WCA’ by improving transparency, empathy and communication within the assessment process for Employment Support Allowance (ESA).

This World AIDS Day, demand national leadership on HIV

This World AIDS Day (1 December) NAT is campaigning for the Prime Minister to fulfil the UK’s UN commitment and put in place a national strategy on HIV from 2011.

NAT comments on Government plans to cut access to Legal Aid

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), comments:

‘NAT is extremely disappointed by the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke’s proposals to cut access to legal aid for individuals pursuing employment cases, including cases of workplace discrimination and unfair dismissal.  The announcement comes just six weeks after the Equality Act came into effect, which introduced new legal protections against discrimination in employment for people with disabilities, including HIV.  This appears to be a case of ‘what the Government giveth, the Government taketh away’, providing new rights and protections through legislation and then removing the means of asserting these rights.

Spending Review acknowledges continuing importance of HIV social care

Following a recent campaign led by NAT (National AIDS Trust) to protect funding for social care services in England for people living with HIV, the Government has committed in the recent Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs within the overall local authority grant over the next five years.  Furthermore, funding linked to ‘AIDS Support’ will increase from £25.5 million in this year to £36.2 million by 2014/15.

Work Capability Assessment fails those living with HIV

Work Capability Assessment*, the test undertaken to determine whether a person is eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)**, fails to recognise the impact of HIV on ability to work, according to a new research report by NAT (National AIDS Trust).

NAT comments on how the Comprehensive Spending Review will affect people living with HIV

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), comments:

‘The Chancellor’s decision to put a one year time limit on the length of time people can claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA)* is likely to be detrimental to those living with a disability – including HIV. 

‘What the Government has failed to take into account is – whilst they can put a one year time limit on ESA – there is not a one year time limit on a person’s disability, or on the stigma and discrimination unfortunately associated with it.  And this is the reality of the situation people living with HIV face.’

NAT launches ‘HIV: an Agenda for Action' with Parliamentary Reception

NAT is holding a Parliamentary Reception on 20 October to launch its new publication HIV: an Agenda for Action.

HIV has for too long been a neglected issue in the UK and real improvements still need to made in HIV prevention, care and rights.  The ‘Agenda for Action’ sets out what the key aims should be to address HIV effectively in the UK.  NAT is inviting everyone – including MPs, Peers, journalists and individuals – to sign up and pledge to ‘act’ on this Agenda, do everything they can to help meet the aims and so make a real difference.

Extreme poverty among people with HIV in the UK increasing

New UK report shows one in six people with HIV living in poverty

A new report on Poverty and HIV by NAT (National AIDS Trust) and Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) reveals at least one in six people diagnosed with HIV in the UK experienced severe poverty between 2006 and 2009.  Furthermore, the level of poverty experienced by people living with HIV has dramatically increased over recent years.   In the current climate – and without determined Government action – the poverty crisis for people living with HIV is set to get worse.

NAT issues recruitment guidelines for employers following new legal protection for people living with HIV

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of National AIDS Trust (NAT), comments on the Equality Act coming into effect on 1 October:

‘As the long awaited Equality Act comes into force today, employers will be required to adhere to new regulations and responsibilities in the field of discrimination.  These changes mark a big step forward for people living with HIV, as many have been subject to HIV-related prejudice and discrimination during the recruitment process.  

Open letter to the Pope from NAT and FPA

Irresponsible and discriminatory statements and teachings on sexuality, sexual health and well-being, are putting men and women’s health and lives in danger.

“Irresponsible and discriminatory statements and teachings on sexuality, sexual health and well-being, are putting men and women’s health and lives in danger,” say two of the UK’s leading charities FPA (Family Planning Association) and NAT (National AIDS Trust)  in an open letter about Pope Benedict XVI views on sexual health on the eve of his first visit to the UK.

The letter, which seeks to illustrate why the Pope’s views are so contrary to the most basic human sexual health rights, has been published and is available to view at www.fpa.org.uk. It is printed below. 

Visit to the UK of the Pope – an open letter from leading UK charities FPA and NAT (National AIDS Trust).

We are using the Pope's visit to the UK to highlight the discriminatory nature of his statements and teachings on sexuality and sexual health and wellbeing.
 

By teaching that modern contraception is ‘intrinsically evil’, the Catholic Church prevents women, including married women, from making choices about whether or not to have children, and how to plan and space their children. This leads to unwanted pregnancies, resulting in unwanted children, or abortion. Particularly in developing countries it also results in women being unable to limit the number of pregnancies during their lives, often leading to disability or premature death...

People living with HIV need better psychological support

Services for people living with HIV are not meeting their psychological needs, says a new report by NAT (National AIDS Trust).

The report Psychological support for people living with HIV shows a lack of adequate psychological support can have a severe impact on someone's health and well-being.  NAT says more must be done to give support to people with psychological needs – at present these needs are too often overlooked because of a tendency for people to focus only on physical health. 

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT, says:

“People can often find it difficult to come to terms with an HIV diagnosis and deal with the ongoing implications.  Psychological support can be as important for the health and well-being of someone living with HIV as going to the doctor or taking treatment.  This form of support can be the crucial difference between finding every day a struggle and feeling able to cope with and enjoy daily life.

Providing such psychological support is more cost-effective in the long-run as it means that people living with HIV can manage their condition, take treatment properly and stay healthy.  It is essential that, at this time of cuts, decisions are not made which may save money in the short-term but will increase the burden on the NHS in the long-run.”

Key findings from the report include:

·         Evidence of higher prevalence of psychological need amongst people living with HIV compared with the general population

·         HIV and mental health problems are both highly stigmatised often making people unwilling to speak out about their needs

·         Psychological needs of people living with HIV are not being met consistently by the NHS

·         Investing in psychological support for people with HIV will have significant benefits in the long-run for individual and public health

NAT joins forces with O2 and Gaydar

‘All Together Now’ Initiative from O2 and Gaydar, provides vital support to NAT.

O2 has joined forces with Gaydar to raise money for NAT’s vital policy and campaigns work. Every person who signs up to the new O2 tariff benefits from a three month Gaydar membership upgrade, whilst NAT receives a £5 donation. 

Customers can choose from a great Pay Monthly phone from just £15 a month or award-winning O2 home broadband from just £8 a month.  Staying in touch has never been so easy with unlimited access via the web, mobile and iPhone app. Plus, with their three month Gaydar upgrade customers can join millions of men on Gaydar.co.uk – the world’s busiest gay social and dating site. 

HIV is an issue which continues to affect the UK’s gay community with more than 2,400 new diagnoses last year. Combined, it is hoped that the £5 donations from O2 will make a big difference to NAT’s work to improve HIV education and prevention in the UK and ensure people living with HIV are diagnosed early, treated with respect, dignity and justice.

For more information on how to sign up to this initiative please visit: www.o2.co.uk/alltogethernow

Charity screening in aid of NAT

The last film of late actress Natasha Richardson, ‘The Wildest Dream’

An exclusive charity screening of Natasha Richardson’s last film, The Wildest Dream, will be hosted at the BFI IMAX on Tuesday 21 September. This will be held in memory of Natasha and in aid of NAT (National AIDS Trust) the charity that she was a passionate Ambassador of for over ten years until her tragic death in 2009. 

The Wildest Dream is a critically acclaimed feature film which follows the story of British adventurer George Mallory and his 1924 attempt to be the first to summit Mount Everest. The film is narrated by Natasha’s husband, Liam Neeson, and also features the voices of Ralph Fiennes, Hugh Dancy and Alan Rickman. Natasha plays Mallory’s beloved wife in the film.

The film has received fantastic media interest across the world and this is a great opportunity for guests to see it prior to its UK opening and to show their support for NAT - a charity which Natasha cared for deeply.

The screening will be followed by a black-tie reception at the IMAX cinema which will be attended by a number of high-profile guests, including...

NAT statement on Nadja Benaissa sentence for HIV transmission

In response to today's verdict and sentence in Germany on Nadja Benaissa for HIV transmission, Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT, said:

'The trial in Germany of Nadja Benaissa for criminally transmitting HIV has attracted worldwide attention.

NAT does not condone placing a sexual partner at risk of HIV without that partner's consent.  But there is no evidence that criminal prosecutions do anything to prevent such behaviour.  We would do far better focussing on reducing the stigma in society which silences discussion of HIV and on increasing condom use and a sense of reponsibility for our own and our partners' sexual health.

NAT regrets that this case ever went to court but hopes that the debate it has prompted will encourage renewed effort by society as a whole to reduce HIV transmission rather than the blaming and scapegoating of individuals.'

Guidelines help journalists understand HIV in the 21st century

NAT (National AIDS Trust) have produced new Guidelines for Reporting HIV. The guidelines have been produced for editors and journalists writing about HIV in the UK. They dispel commons myths about HIV, provide up-to-date information and sign-post journalists to further resources. The guidelines are supported by the National Union of Journalists, the Press Complaints Commission and the Society of Editors.

HIV prevention needs of black Caribbean population overlooked in UK

National HIV prevention strategy needed for Black Caribbean population

A new report by NAT (National AIDS Trust) shows that the black Caribbean population in the UK is disproportionately affected by HIV. Black Caribbean people make up 1% of the UK population but account for 3% of people living with HIV. HIV prevalence is over four times higher than in the white population. Despite this, a national HIV prevention strategy for the black Caribbean population does not exist.

NAT Welcomes Breakthrough in Microbicide Development

Announcement of the CAPRISA trial results marks a major breakthrough HIV prevention

Results of the CAPRISA 004 trial announced yesterday at the International AIDS Conference, showed a vaginal microbicidal gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir (Viread) reduced the risk of HIV infection among women who received it by 39 per cent during a two-and-a-half-year study in South Africa.

New Guidance for Police Investigating Criminal Transmission of HIV

Police and HIV sector work together to produce guidance

New guidance has been produced to help police when investigating allegations of criminal transmission of HIV.  The guidance provides police officers with basic facts about HIV and sets out advice on how to deal with complaints about reckless (or intentional) transmission of HIV in a fair and sensitive manner.

Future reform of Disability Living Allowance is cause for concern for people living with HIV

NAT reacts to the Emergency Budget

The Chancellor’s announcement today that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be reformed from 2013/14 is a serious cause for concern for people living with HIV. DLA is awarded to disabled people in recognition of the extra day-to-day costs they incur because of their disability. People already have to submit lengthy forms and medical evidence when applying for this benefit; measures to make it more difficult to qualify for this support may have a dramatic impact on the quality of life of some people living with HIV.

NAT Concerned by end of Protected Grant for Care of People with HIV

Decision to end ring-fence of the AIDS Support Grant means uncertain future for HIV social care services

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles’ surprise announcement in a written ministerial statement on 10 June that the AIDS Support Grant will no longer be ring-fenced in the current financial year has left the future of social care services for people living with HIV in question.

NAT Launches Fundraising Appeal

Charity sets target of £25,000

NAT (National AIDS Trust), the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV, has launched a fundraising appeal to raise awareness of its work for the gay community and to secure support needed for the future. 

NAT team puts glad rags on for Crusaid Walk for Life

Thank you for supporters who helped raised almost £14,000

Supporters of NAT (National AIDS Trust) were out in force on Sunday to take part in this year’s Crusaid Walk for Life. The 10k walk around London landmarks raises awareness about HIV and funds for HIV charities. To mark the 21^st anniversary of the event walkers made a special effort with fancy dress.

Improved Protection for People with HIV from Hate Crime

NAT welcomes revised guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service

NAT warmly welcome the revision of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance which states for the first time that people living with HIV should receive the same protection as other disabled victims of hate crime.  Until recently, it was unclear whether the definition of disability in the legislation that covers this area (the Criminal Justice Act 2003) included HIV. 

HIV Sector and Policy Makers meet on World AIDS Vaccine Day

On World AIDS Vaccine Day (18 May), NAT (National AIDS Trust) is hosting an event to discuss progress on the road to developing new technologies to prevent HIV.

Young Gay Men Let Down by Scrapping of Compulsory Sex and Relationship Education

Clauses in the Children, Schools and Families Bill dropped in the pre-election ‘wash-up’

Yesterday clauses in the Children, Schools and Families Bill were dropped in the pre-election ‘wash-up’. This means proposals for compulsory sex and relationship education for students in England have been scrapped.

New Equality Act will Benefit People Living with HIV

The Equality Act is expected to receive Royal Assent tomorrow

NAT (National AIDS Trust) is today celebrating the completion of the Equality Bill’s journey through Parliament.  The Equality Act will introduce a number of improvements for people living with HIV when it comes into force in October 2010. 

HIV is one of the biggest health challenges facing women

Next UK Government must sustain commitment to new prevention research

On International Women’s Day, NAT calls for the next Government to maintain UK leadership in developing new prevention technologies that will help women protect themselves from HIV.

Government Amendment Dilutes Sex and Relationship Education

NAT disappointed by amendment to Children, Schools and Families Bill

A new Government amendment to the Children, Schools and Families Bill threatens to undermine progress in reducing HIV amongst young gay men.

Groundbreaking Step to Prohibit the use of Pre-Employment Health Questionnaires

New legislation looks set to remove a significant barrier in recruitment for HIV positive people by outlawing the use of pre-employment health questionnaires

NAT are today celebrating a significant step forward towards the end to discrimination in recruitment for people living with HIV. Last night saw the introduction to the Equality Bill of a ground breaking clause that received cross party support and will for the first time see the prohibition of health questionnaires prior to an offer of employment. 

Scottish HIV Conviction Raises Serious Concerns

The conviction today in Scotland of Richard Devereux on four counts of culpable and reckless conduct raises serious concerns. 

NAT calls for NHS to do more to reassure patients about confidentiality

Confidentiality a serious concern for people with HIV

A report released today by NAT (National AIDS Trust) calls for the Department of Health to clarify the rules surrounding patient confidentiality and for better staff training, particularly in relation to patients with HIV.

NAT Welcomes lifting of US Travel Ban