Destination unknown

What is the issue?

The AHPN believes that there is a clear contradiction between the UK's policy aim of universal access to HIV treatment for all those who need it by 2010 and the deportation of people living with HIV who are on treatment to countries where treatment is not readily available or affordable. The withdrawal of treatment increases the body's vulnerability to opportunistic infection and will result in drastically shortened life expectancy.

The AHPN believes that there are strong public health arguments for allowing a concession. Those awaiting removal may go underground and fail to keep appointments resulting in an increased risk of opportunistic infection with the need for emergency treatment and an increased risk of onward transmission. The Department of Health has valued the prevention of one single onward transmission as between £0.5 and £1 million in terms of individual health benefits and treatment costs.

What are we doing?

In commemoration of World AIDS day 2008 the AHPN organised an advocacy day that highlighted the Destination Unknown campaign in a visual way with digital stories and a photo exhibition (you can view the digital stories online at www.panos.org.uk/?lid=27158. The event hosted a diverse panel of speakers including leading experts in the HIV sector, clinicians, politicians and people living with HIV. MPs and their representatives met with constituents to discuss the barriers faced by people living with HIV in the UK and those who live in fear of removal to countries where adequate care may be absent. The event and campaign also received excellent media coverage in national and international media. WE HAVE NEARLY 800 TICKETS SIGNED!!

The Destination Unknown campaign will be touring the UK with the help of our member organisations. First stop on this tour will be Edinburgh World Justice Festival on 25th May 2009. AHPN, Impact AIDS, HIV Scotland and Waverly Care will collectively raise awareness about the campaign and the experiences informing it. For more information please visit http://www.ewjf.org.uk

Once we reach our target of a 1000 signed tickets, we plan to present them to the Home Office – who we hope will take into consideration the voices of people calling for access to HIV treatment for all people abroad but also in the UK.

What can you do?

Join us in handing out campaign tools, collecting signatures and raising awareness of the issue!

Take bold action! The AHPN's 'Destination Unknown' Campaign is calling on the Home Office to delay the deportation of people living with HIV, who are on treatment, from the United Kingdom until HIV treatment becomes more widely available and accessible. SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN BY SIGNING OUR ON-LINE PETITION www.gopetition.com/petitions/access-to-lifesaving-hiv-treatment/sign.html