The Green Party’s online manifesto has been removed temporarily following backlash over an image of an ill man being used to illustrate its HIV policy in the easy-read version of the document. The party aims to work towards ending new HIV transmissions by 2030. The easy-read version stated that “We will try to stop any new people getting HIV by 2030,” and featured an image of a man looking unwell with a red cross behind him. Users took to social media to criticize the use of the image, with some stating that it was stigmatising and misleading.
Easy-read documents are designed to make information more accessible, particularly for those with learning disabilities and communication issues. The Green Party was alerted to how the image “could be misinterpreted” and decided to remove the manifesto. In its place, the party is working to replace it with a more suitable image that better communicates its policy on ending HIV transmissions by 2030.
The UK government pledged to end HIV transmission by 2030, a goal also reiterated by the Conservative Party and Labour Party in their manifestos. The Conservatives have promised to expand HIV opt-out testing, while Labour has committed to commissioning a new HIV action plan. The Liberal Democrats have not included an HIV pledge in their manifesto but have previously supported ending transmission by 2030.
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is transmitted through bodily fluids. Those on effective treatments can lead healthy lives and do not pass the virus on to others. The Green Party’s policy aims to ensure everyone has access to the HIV prevention pill both online and in pharmacies and GP services. It also plans to renew successful opt-out HIV testing programs in all emergency departments with a high HIV prevalence
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More