Introduction

The Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework sets out the Scottish Government’s agenda in relation to sexual health, HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B for the next four years.

For the first time, these four policy areas have been brought together into a single integrated strategy. Building on the solid foundations of proven and successful Scottish Government policy, notably Respect and Responsibility (Scottish Executive, 2005) and the Hepatitis C Action Plan (Scottish Executive, 2006a Scottish Government, 2008a ). The Framework reflects an ambitious vision for sexual health and blood borne viruses in Scotland. It adopts an outcomes based approach anchored by effective shared ownership and joint working with a strong focus on challenging inequalities.

The Scottish Government, NHS Boards, Local Authorities and Third Sector organisations all have essential roles to play in progressing the Framework Outcomes, both individually and in partnership, and all organisations have been fully involved in the development of this policy.

In progressing these outcomes, the Framework will also recognise the commonalities that exist across Scottish Government policy areas, including drug and alcohol policy, Early Years, child and maternal health, long-term conditions, Curriculum for Excellence and Equally Well. It will build on these going forward to support improvements in sexual health and wellbeing and to effectively tackle blood borne viruses in Scotland.

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