Ministerial Foreword

I’m delighted to current the Scottish Government’s new Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Action Plan. Scotland has made an enormous quantity of progress throughout these companies since our first Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Framework was printed in 2011 and refreshed in 2015. This framework introduced collectively, for the primary time, our insurance policies on sexual well being, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV. Despite unprecedented challenges we’ve got loads to be pleased with which is one thing to recollect as we take the subsequent steps in the direction of attaining our long-term ambitions for Sexual Health and BBV companies in Scotland.

Of course, as we plan, we should acknowledge that additional challenges will lie forward. Services throughout Scotland proceed to really feel the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the present price of dwelling disaster will exacerbate issues for a lot of, notably those that are at better threat of poor outcomes, resulting in rising strain on the NHS and wider public companies. In tackling complicated issues, we should all be open to embracing change and adopting revolutionary approaches as I imagine are demonstrated on this Action Plan.

Although the Plan must deal with the continuing restoration and provision of companies, I’m excited by its emphasis on selling total sexual wellbeing. I’m assured that over the approaching years we’ll make additional progress in the direction of a society which considers good sexual wellbeing to be an integral a part of a person’s total wellbeing and an indicator of well being fairness. Scotland has led the way in which on numerous points throughout the sexual well being and BBV sector lately, and that is one other alternative for us to guide by instance.

I’m enormously grateful for the time and dedication of all of the stakeholders who took half within the growth of this Action Plan. It is a mark of the dedication of the distinctive people who make up this sector that they took time to prioritise this work, whereas treating sufferers and sustaining the companies that individuals in Scotland rely upon.Their appreciable efforts have resulted in an Action Plan that’s designed to carry actual sensible change; reflecting the priorities and experiences of those that ship and those that use companies. Whilst this doesn’t assure success, it supplies us with the very best manner ahead.

I stay up for working with the sector as we try this.

Ms Jenni Minto MSP

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health