Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership joins Fast Track Cymru Initiative

As a partnership , this confirms our commitment to work collaboratively to end new transmissions of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Over the past five years huge progress has been made in improving access to testing and treatment, and Wales can be proud of the significant reduction seen in new diagnoses of HIV. Between 2015 and 2021 new diagnosis of HIV decreased by 75%. However, HIV continues to be an important public health issue.

Fast Track Cymru is a network of cities and regions across Wales working together as part of a new effort to end new transmissions of HIV in Wales by 2030.

Funded by Welsh Government, the Fast Track Cymru network is hosted by Pride Cymru and operates under a national Advisory Council. Fast Track Cymru involves key stakeholders from across Wales, working together in line with the Welsh Government HIV Action Plan for Wales 2023-2026.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership’s goal in joining Fast Track Cymru is to encourage and enable collaboration so that we can work together towards an HIV-transmission free 2030, improving prevention, testing, treatment, and care, and reducing stigma across our communities.

Councillor Jane Gebbie, Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board and Deputy Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council/ Cabinet Member Social Services, Health and Wellbeing, said:

“HIV is a serious public health issue that we must address together. Joining the Fast Track Cymru Initiative commits us to a shared approach to education, prevention, and support as partners. By tackling stigma and promoting access to treatment, testing and compassionate care, we can empower people to protect themselves and each other. Through collaboration, we can ensure that HIV does not prevent anyone from living a long, healthy and fulfilling life.”

Councillor Rhys Goode (Bridgend County Borough Council, Fast Track CTM Chair) said:

“I am proud that Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership has officially become part of the Fast Track Cymru family working to eliminate HIV transmissions and stigma in Wales by 2030. In Wales today, too many people have an outdated understanding of HIV and I look forward to CTM playing its part in spreading the message that by 2030 everyone should know their status and that with effective treatment you can’t pass HIV on.”

Top picture (L-R) Linda Prosser (CTMUHB), Gary Hortop (Linc Cymru), Emma Howells (Valleys to Coast), Anna Howells (CTMUHB), Cllr Christina Leyshon (RCTCBC), Richard Hughes (CTMUHB), Cllr Rhys Goode (BCBC), Robert Green (CTMUHB), Cllr Jane Gebbie (BCBC), Jonathan Morgan (CTMUHB), Lindsay Harvey (BCBC), Cllr Neelo Farr (BCBC), Angela Edevane (MCBC), Heidi Bennett (BAVO), Sarah Mills (CTM Regional Partnership Commissioning Unit), Sharon Richards, (VAMT), Matt Jenkins (CTM Regional Partnership Commissioning Unit)