West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene has highlighted the importance of World AIDS Day, saying it provides the opportunity to raise awareness of the disease as well as remember those who have died from it.

The 1st of December marks the global day, which has been running every year since 1988.

AIDS is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system of an individual and reduces their resistance to other diseases.

In 2019, it was estimated that there were 5,881 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Scotland.

Jamie Greene has also submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament highlighting the importance of the day, as well as misinformation surrounding the disease.

Commenting, Jamie Greene said: “World AIDS Day offers us the opportunity to remember those who have been lost to the disease and to raise awareness of the disease itself.

“Stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS must also be challenged, not just today but every day, as there has historically been a lot of misinformation circulating about how HIV spreads.

“A recent poll suggested that almost half of people incorrectly believe that HIV can be spread through kissing, spitting or biting.

“This is why the HIV Scotland’s Generation Zero Campaign is so important because it aims to increase awareness, end the stigma and have no HIV transmissions in Scotland by 2030.”