A Call for Action: New HIV Legislation Could Transform Public Health
Hope flickers on the horizon for a more effective response to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections in Italy.
Honorable Mauro D’Attis, a member of the V Budget, Treasury and Planning Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, believes December 1, 2024, could mark a turning point. In a recent statement, he expressed his desire for this date to be the last World AIDS Day without a groundbreaking new law.
This potential legal instrument, a culmination of years of work, would build on the foundations laid by Law 135 of 1990 and equip the nation with robust new tools to combat HIV, AIDS, HPV, and other STDs.
D’Attis, an exponent of Forza Italia and the rapporteur for a bill on interventions for the prevention of HIV, AIDS, and Papilloma Virus introduced in October 2022, made these comments while presenting the white paper “HIV: The Words to Talk About It Again.”
This critical document focuses on four key pillars: prevention, stigma, checkpoint, and quality of life. Its goal is to reignite the public discourse on HIV and propel action forward as part of the initiative “HIV: From Words to Actions. Together to End the Epidemic,” organized in Rome.
The initiative, sponsored by Gilead Sciences, actively engages representatives from the scientific community, associations, the third sector, national and regional institutions – a diverse coalition committed to ending the HIV epidemic.
Fostering Open Dialogue and Tackling Stigma
The white paper emphasizes the urgency of addressing the pervasive stigma surrounding HIV. Fear, misinformation, and discrimination often prevent individuals from seeking testing and treatment, fueling the spread of the virus.
D’Attis recognizes the significance of open and honest dialogue about HIV. “What is being asked of us is precisely ‘an instrument’ that innovates the 135 of ’90 and that provides the country with new tools to fight HIV, AIDS, HPV and sexually transmitted diseases,” he states.
Embracing Prevention and Early Intervention
The white paper underscores the importance of comprehensive prevention strategies. This includes promoting safe sex practices, expanding access to testing and counseling, and providing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that dramatically reduces the risk of HIV infection.
Early detection and treatment are also crucial. The white paper advocates for readily accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for everyone living with HIV.
Improving Quality of Life
The white paper highlights the need for holistic support services, addressing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of people living with HIV.
A Collective Effort Towards a Brighter Future
Ending the HIV epidemic requires a multi-faceted approach and unwavering commitment from all sectors.
The white paper “HIV: The Words to Talk About It Again” serves as a powerful catalyst for dialogue and collective action. By addressing stigma, promoting prevention, expanding access to testing and treatment, and ensuring a high quality of life for those living with HIV, Italy can pave a path towards a future without AIDS.
What role does public discourse play in combating HIV stigma and encouraging collective action in Italy?
## A Call for Action: New HIV Legislation in Italy
**Host:** Joining us today is Honorable Mauro D’Attis, a member of the V Budget, Treasury and Planning Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, and a driving force behind Italy’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. Welcome, Honorable D’Attis.
**D’Attis:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** You’ve recently expressed a strong desire to see groundbreaking new HIV legislation passed by World AIDS Day this year. Why is this deadline so crucial?
**D’Attis:** This is not just about a date on the calendar. It’s about demonstrating our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic. While Italy has made progress since Law 135 of 1990, we need a more comprehensive and modern legal framework to effectively address the challenges we face today.
**Host:** This proposed legislation builds upon existing laws. Can you elaborate on what new tools it would bring to the fight against HIV?
**D’Attis:** Absolutely. This legislation aims to tackle the issue from multiple angles. It strengthens preventative measures, promotes robust testing protocols, and addresses the critical issue of stigma surrounding HIV. We also want to ensure better access to treatment and support for those living with HIV, focusing on improving their quality of life.
**Host:** The white paper, “HIV: The Words to Talk About It Again,” which you presented, highlights the importance of addressing stigma. Why is this such a crucial aspect of the fight against HIV?
**D’Attis:** Stigma is a huge barrier to effective prevention and treatment. It prevents people from getting tested, seeking help, and disclosing their status. We need to create a culture of openness and understanding. Only by breaking down the stigma can we truly tackle this epidemic.
**Host:** You’ve also emphasized the urgency of sparking a national conversation about HIV. Why is public discourse so important?
**D’Attis:** We need to move beyond silence and misinformation. Open dialog encourages education, empathy, and collective responsibility. Initiatives like “HIV: From Words to Actions. Together to End the Epidemic” are crucial in bringing together diverse stakeholders – scientists, healthcare professionals, civil society, and the government – to find solutions together.
**Host:** Honorable D’Attis, thank you for your insights and for your tireless work towards ending the HIV epidemic in Italy.
**D’Attis:** Thank you. Together, we can make a difference. [[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20348619/)]
