Fast Track Cymru Bulletin - December 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible strides Fast Track Cymru has made this year in our mission to achieve zero HIV transmissions in Wales by 2030 and to dismantle HIV-related stigma. From groundbreaking community initiatives to impactful collaboration across sectors, our shared efforts have brought us closer to a brighter, more inclusive future. Yet, as we reflect on these successes, we are also reminded of the work still ahead. Together, we face 2025 with renewed determination, ready to build on this year’s progress and continue creating lasting change for everyone affected by HIV in Wales.
This year has seen us engage with over 250 community events and have an increased presence on mainstream and social media whilst advocating for and being part of policy work all whilst prioritising expanding out collaborative networks. We’ve played a key part in the HIV Outcomes report “Living Well in Wales with HIV”, supported the creation of animations launched by Public Health Wales around HIV awareness, attended vast numbers of meetings, networks, events and forums, run a ground-breaking Stop HIV Stigma campaign, hosted our first ever Fast Track Cymru Conference, helped organise the first Fast Track Celtic Nations conference, played a major part in the creation of three quilts in North Wales and SO much more – the list is incredibly impressive for a small team!
In recent months we had the biggest HIV Testing Week Campaign to date which successfully connected with key communities, exceeding expectations in engaging with diverse groups. Most notably, it achieved the highest-ever level of engagement with Black and Asian communities in Wales. For the first time, every health board and most local authorities in Wales shared campaign messages combined with over 450 groups and organisations downloading campaign resources, this ensured broad visibility and strong community support.
We hosted an empowering and emotive World AIDS Day Reception in the Senedd with some truly inspiring speakers and we’ve also launched out RSE booklet created in collaboration with Welsh National Opera “Three Letters” which provides creative stimuli and lesson ideas and activities for teachers across Wales to embed HIV into their lessons.
Just under 2,800 people are currently known to be living with HIV in Wales with 119 new diagnoses with a dramatic rise seen in recent years in the probable exposure category being sex between me and women (heterosexual sex). Latest data suggests reduced transmission within Wales despite overall an increase in new diagnoses; HIV is a global issue and one which does not respect geographic borders. We do, however, have a lower prevalence of individuals living with HIV compared to England and Scotland.
Many of those living with HIV in Wales face barriers such as stigma, late diagnosis and unequal access to services and support. Despite the availability of life-saving treatments that allow people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives, misconceptions persist, often fuelling discrimination. HIV is no longer a death sentence; with effective treatment people with HIV cannot pass the virus on to others (U=U Undetectable = Untransmittable) - a vital message that we must continue to amplify.
We have seen a continuing increase in Wales of people taking PrEP (the preventative medication which, when taken correctly, means the individual can’t contract HIV) although there is still a lack of awareness that PrEP is for everyone, including heterosexual individuals.
As we look to 2025, we already have a busy year ahead starting with the Fast Track Cities UK and Ireland Conference at the end of January in Bristol which we are supporting, two big projects involving embedding HIV and RSE into the curriculum across Wales, supporting more training for those working in or related to the health sector on HIV plus more community events and engagement. The last three remaining health boards are due to sign up formally to the Fast Track initiative in the next few months, keep an eye out for a PrEP campaign coming in the Spring and we’re already thinking about Wales HIV Testing Week 2025. We can’t do all this without your support and collaboration. We are proud of the constellation of cross-sector organisations, local authorities, health boards and individuals we are connected to which we will continue to look to expand on as we move forward. The more of us there are, the more we can achieve. Please reach out to Sarah Maslen-Roberts, Fast Track Cymru Manager, on fasttrackcities@hiv.wales if you want to find out more or get involved.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and determination. The journey to zero HIV transmissions in Wales and the eradication of HIV-related stigma is far from over, but together, we are proving that change is not only possible; it is within reach. Every conversation, every act of solidarity and every step forward brings us closer to our goal. Thank you for all you have done in 2024 to support us. Let’s carry the momentum of 2024 into the new year, empowered by our progress and united in our vision for a brighter, stigma-free future for all.
Wishing everyone reading this a holiday season filled with moments of joy and the creation of positive memories, and may you find the strength to overcome any hurdles with hope and resilience.