Martin Whitfield MSP has joined parliamentary colleagues and campaigners at Holyrood to help mark World AIDS Day 2023.

Organised by Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, Waverley Care and National AIDS Trust, the parliamentary photocall provided an opportunity for Members to commemorate World AIDS Day 2023 and to remember all those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS-related illnesses.

It also allowed MSPs to reflect on how far we have come since the first diagnosis of HIV in Scotland 40 years ago, and on what more needs to be done for Scotland to make history and end new cases of HIV by 2030.

At the event MSPs were encouraged to watch and share Scotland’s landmark new HIV anti-stigma campaign, the first campaign of its sort since the ‘Don’t Die of Ignorance’ tombstone ads on TV nearly 40 years ago.

The new campaign aims to tackle common misconceptions about HIV that continue to have a devastating impact on people living with the virus and can prevent people from accessing vital testing, treatment and care.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Today, on World AIDS Day I’m pleased to stand in solidarity with colleagues to raise awareness, support those affected, and continue the fight against HIV/AIDS. Together, we can break barriers, end stigma, and strive for a world where everyone receives care, compassion, and access to prevention.”

Find out more about the campaign at HIVstigma.scot.