A LEADING Scottish sexual health charity has warned that HIV is not a "solved problem" in letters to hundreds of MEPs as they plan to make eliminating the virus a top priority in Europe.

HIV Scotland contacted all MEPs after a draft document was leaked detailing proposals to make eliminating HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and hepatitis one of the top five priorities for the next parliamentary term.

The charity's chief executive Nathan Sparling wrote: "While there may be a belief that HIV is a ‘solved’ problem, this is not the case. Across the WHO European Region, it is estimated that 2.3 million people are living with HIV. Now is not the time for complacency, and policymakers must still act to ensure challenges facing people living with HIV are addressed.

"In an era when ageing populations and health system sustainability are central challenges for all European countries, the EU, national governments and health systems must respond to the fact that people living with HIV are living longer, and ensure that people living with HIV remain in good health as they grow older and can lead successful, productive and rewarding lives."

Documents from an EU committee showed that a group of six MEPs had considered the proposals as one of the top priorities for health in the next parliamentary term.

A member of the committee told The Herald on Sunday that the plans were being considered and a decision is expected to be made next week on whether to take them forward.

They confirmed the draft under consideration is to: "Step up efforts to eliminate HIV/Aids, hepatitis and tuberculosis as global health threats.The EC must adopt an action plan to support Member States in their reaching the objectives under the SDGs, complementing Member State action on HIV/Aids, hepatitis and tuberculosis."

Along with HIV/Aids, TB and hepatitis, other public health priorities are understood to include cancer, the digitalisation of health care, antimicrobial resistance and endocrine disrupting chemicals such as pesticides.

Sparling welcomed the proposals and said: "Countries like Scotland have already met the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, but we should never assume that means it’s job done.

"There’s much more to do to ensure people living with HIV can live and age well, with a good quality of life. That’s why it’s encouraging that European leaders are considering making the elimination of HIV one of their top five health priorities for this coming Parliament.

“With the uncertainty around Brexit, however, we need to ensure that our political leaders across the UK are as committed to this agenda as our European partners. Clearly if our closest neighbours are reinvigorating their response to tackling HIV, then it’s imperative for us to do the same."

The UNAIDS targets were set up specifically to tackle the epidemic of AIDS. By 2020 the aim is to ensure 90% of everyone with HIV knows their HIV status, 90% of those with a diagnosed infection receive antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of those receiving therapy have viral suppression.