Reacting to the motion passed by Derry City and Strabane District Council to sign up to the United Nations Fast Track Cities initiative to reach zero new HIV diagnosis by 2030, Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said:
“Positive Life welcomes Derry City and Strabane District Council’s commitment to sign up to the United Nations’ Fast Track Cities initiative to reach zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030. In Northern Ireland, our annual new HIV diagnosis numbers are comparatively lower than anywhere else in the UK, which makes the target of zero new diagnosis really achievable.
“HIV remains a life-changing condition and it is vitally important that sexual health education and access to testing continues in Northern Ireland, to keep the numbers affected by HIV and AIDS declining. Although there is still education and prevention work to be done, we could be the first region to achieve zero new diagnosis – how amazing would it be for Northern Ireland to lead this global initiative?
“On Sexual Health Week, Positive Life is reminding people to look after their sexual health in the same way that they would look after their physical or mental health.
“As Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV charity, Positive Life looks forward to working collaboratively with Derry City and Strabane District Council to develop an action plan to meet this target of zero new diagnosis. We encourage all local councils across Northern Ireland to follow their lead and formally sign the pledge to support the Fast Track Cities initiative.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue, said,
“I am delighted to support the Fast Track Cities Initiative this Sexual Health Week. To have Derry City reach zero new diagnosis of HIV by 2030, and have Northern Ireland become a Fast Track region, would be a fantastic achievement. By reducing stigma, increasing testing, and raising awareness, this goal is achievable.”
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