Today, World AIDS Day sees Manchester City Council launch a new training programme for its staff fulfilling a Public Health legacy made last year to keep the education and awareness of HIV and sexual
All local authority staff will have the opportunity to undertake a workplace e-learning module on HIV awareness to gain a greater understanding of HIV, challenge stigma and outdated attitudes which still persist and support Manchester’s commitment to health equality.
It will cover a variety of issues including facts about HIV; HIV in the workplace; a personal stories from George House Trust’s Positive Speakers; Stigma, discrimination and the law and allyship.
Last year’s Public Health report showed Manchester’s response to HIV and AIDS as it charted the early days of fear and stigma, through to the Manchester of today a city that celebrates diversity.
Its legacy emphasised the continuing importance of knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding sexual health and the drive towards zero transmission of HIV and Aids by 2030.
That progress means that of all the people living with HIV in Manchester, 97.5% are virally suppressed and cannot pass on HIV. And, since 2016 Manchester has seen a 28.7% reduction in the number of new HIV diagnoses.
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care said:
“Our drive towards zero transmission is ambitious but as we have shown our determination to embrace new science and partnership working has reaped rewards. We want to lead by example and ensure that our staff are equipped with the knowledge and empathy to serve each resident with respect and we are confident that initiatives like this new training programme will give our staff a greater understanding of why HIV education matters, what it means for our city and how they can contribute to keep that progress going. It sends a clear message: Manchester stands for inclusion, compassion, and respect.”
Councillor Becky Chambers, Deputy Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said:
“In recent decades huge steps have been made in the treatment, understanding and education around HIV. The horrific stigmas which previous generations faced are fortunately becoming a thing of the past, however, it is still incumbent that the Council plays its part to ensure that anyone living with HIV can live their lives without fear of abuse or ostracisation.”
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester City Council’s Public Health Director said:
“Education is very important and understanding how HIV is transmitted, how it is treated and how stigma affects people’s lives helps us deliver better council services, whether in housing, social care or community outreach. Education empowers us to challenge prejudice, protect vulnerable individuals and promote public health. It ensures that no one is treated unfairly because of their HIV status.”
The HIV, AIDS and Sexual Health Revolution in Manchester – from the 1980s to now (Public Health Annual Report 2023/24, can be read here:
https://www.manchester.gov.uk/downloads/download/6928/public_health_annual_report
For more information on HIV testing – https://gmpash.org.uk/hiv/hiv-testing