On 25th August 2011 the Scottish Government brought together Sexual Health, HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B policy into The Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework (2011-2015). This Framework provided a joined up approach to tackling poor sexual health and blood borne viruses (BBVs) in Scotland. The Framework built on the sucess of the Hepatitis C Action Plan (Phase II) and Respect and Responsibility as well as furtehr developing the HIV Action Plan in Scotland.
There are many influences on sexual health, these include the choices people make and the communities that they live in. The Framework acknowledges important links with drug and alcohol use, education and gender-based violence.
Improving sexual health and BBVs is a multi-agency responsibility. It cannot be addressed through specialist services alone. Primary Care, universal women's, men's and children's health services, Local Authorities, Third Sector agencies, the media, and parents, all have responsibility for areas which impact on sexual health and blood borne viruses.
The Framework translates this agenda into the high level Framework Outcomes:
Framework Outcomes: Sexual Health and Wellbeing:
- Fewer blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections; fewer unintended pregnancies
- A reduction in the health inequalities gap in sexual health and blood borne viruses
- People affected by blood borne virus(es) lead longer, healthier lives
- Sexual relationships are free from coercion and harm
- A society and culture whereby the attitudes of individuals, the public, professionals and the media in Scotland towards sexual health are positive, non-stigmatising and supportive.
Sexual Health
The Scottish Government website at http://www.sexualhealthscotland.co.uk/ aims to get people to be more open about sex and to encourage them to discuss sensitive issues, and well as providing accurate information on topics such as; whether they are ready or want to have sex; STIs; pregnancy; use of contraception including condoms and long-lasting reversible contraception; HIV; testing and treatment and where to get further help.
Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is a disease which causes inflammation of the liver and can lead to serious illness and death if left untreated. Although there are many types of Hepatitis the Framework tackles issues of Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B. More information about Viral Hepatitis can be found through the National Third sector agency Hepatitis Scotland and also throguh the Hepatitis C Scotland website.
HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV affects the body’s immune system, attacking the body’s defences against disease making it less able to fight infections and more vulnerable to illnesses. If left untreated, HIV can cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) seriously harming the body’s immune system, resulting in serious illness and even death. More information about HIV in Scotland can be found through the National Third sector agency HIV Scotland.