IT is World Aids Day on Friday and as I reflect on that I find myself journeying back to my childhood in the 1980s, when the fear and misunderstanding surrounding Aids were at their peak.

I vividly recall the harrowing adverts, one in particular with a tombstone falling over in a dramatic fashion and a narrator starkly proclaiming: “Aids – it could be the death of you.”

The school playground mirrored wider societal panic, as children would tag each other in mock horror, exclaiming: “You have Aids.”

It was a time when sick jokes and unfounded fears were rampant, and the LGBTQ+ community, especially gay men, bore the brunt of society’s ignorance and prejudice.

An overwhelming sense of dread and confusion didn’t just permeate our childhood games. It reflected a broader societal backlash against a community that was just beginning to make strides in gaining acceptance and rights.

The stigma associated with HIV and Aids, fuelled by a lack of understanding and misinformation, was devastating. It created a legacy of fear and discrimination that, despite advancements in medicine and education, still lingers in some corners of our society.

However, there were beacons of hope and progress. The support of celebrities and public figures played a pivotal role in shifting perceptions.

None more so than Diana, Princess of Wales, whose famous speech and compassionate approach helped break down barriers of ignorance and fear. Her actions were a testament to the power of empathy and understanding in combating stigma and discrimination.

The TV series It’s A Sin, set at that time, makes it evident how powerful storytelling can be in the campaign to end the stigma. Written by Russell T Davies, it chronicled the lives of a group of gay men and their friends during the height of the crisis.

Its emotional depth, authentic portrayal and compelling narrative have not only garnered critical acclaim but also played a significant role in raising awareness.

The series paints a vivid picture of the fear, prejudice, and heartbreak that defined the era. Yet, amid the sorrow, it also celebrates the resilience and determination of those who faced the crisis head on, choosing to live life fiercely despite the shadow of HIV.

It presents a narrative that resonates with so many – touching on themes of friendship, love, loss, and defiance. Perhaps its most profound contribution is its role in sparking a significant increase in HIV testing in the weeks following its release.

The advances in medicine have been nothing short of miraculous. From being a death sentence, HIV has become a manageable chronic health condition, allowing those affected to lead long and healthy lives.

Education has evolved, bringing with it a better understanding and acceptance of the virus and those who live with it. Yet we still have a long way to go in completely eradicating the stigma.

As we commemorate World Aids Day this year, under the theme “Let communities lead”, it’s a reminder of the significant role communities have played in shaping the response to HIV and global health at large.

It’s a day not only to reflect on the progress made but also to acknowledge the challenges that remain in our quest to end Aids.

HIV continues to be a significant global public health issue, claiming millions of lives with ongoing transmission worldwide. As of the end of 2022, there were an estimated 39 million people living with HIV.

The figures are a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Access to effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care is crucial in transforming HIV into a manageable health condition.

Scotland stands at a crossroads. To achieve our goals, a robust and funded HIV Transmission Elimination Delivery Plan is essential according to experts.

They advise that a plan must encompass the expansion of HIV testing, actions to tackle stigma, and the introduction of innovative approaches such as pre-exposure prophylaxis and community-based access to those PrEP pills.

The Scottish Government’s landmark anti-stigma campaign is leading the way, but there’s more to be done. The stigma surrounding HIV remains a significant barrier to testing, treatment and care.

We must take a whole-society approach to eradicate this stigma once and for all. The suggested policies, such as opt-out A&E HIV and blood borne virus testing and the introduction of a National HIV Testing Week, are steps in the right direction.

These initiatives have proven successful in other parts of the UK, finding thousands of new cases and saving millions in long-term care costs.

As a politician and as someone who witnessed the early years of the Aids crisis, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that our approach to HIV and Aids is compassionate, inclusive and effective.

We cannot afford to forget the lessons of the past, where fear and stigma reigned supreme. We must remember the lives lost, the potential unfulfilled, and the families and communities forever changed by HIV and Aids.

As we look to the future, let us do so with the resolve to build a world where HIV and Aids are no longer a source of fear and discrimination.

A world where every person living with HIV has access to the care and support they need, and where the memories of the 1980s serve as a reminder of how far we have come and how far we still have to go.

In Scotland, we could pave the way for a future where healthcare, compassion, and understanding are at the forefront of any HIV response. It’s a future where our children and grandchildren will look back and see a society that rose to the challenge, that led with empathy and that ultimately played a pivotal role in ending the Aids epidemic.

As we honour those we have lost, let us renew our commitment to a world free of stigma and discrimination – a world where every individual, regardless of their status, is treated with dignity and respect, something those sadly lost decades ago never got to experience in their darkest hours.