Today is World AIDS Day; an event designed to remind people of the importance of stopping new cases of HIV whilst fighting HIV stigma and discrimination.
People living with HIV are at the heart of World AIDS day; this year marks 41 years since the first reported cases of HIV related illnesses and deaths. Today over 105,000 people live with HIV in the UK. Yet recent research found 63% of the public do not remember seeing or hearing about HIV in the past six months. Only a third said they have sympathy for people living with HIV regardless of how they acquired it.
Some key facts:
- Now 98% of people living with HIV in the UK are on effective treatment, and 97% can’t pass the virus on.
- An estimated 105,200 people live with HIV in the UK. Yet, recent research found 63% of the public do not remember seeing or hearing about HIV in the past 6 months.
- Only a third of people said they had sympathy for people living with HIV – regardless of how they acquired it.
- A survey found that 1 in 5 think you can acquire HIV through kissing. Only 16% knew if someone is on effective treatment, they can’t pass on HIV and ca expect to live a long & healthy life.
World AIDS Day is the perfect time to improve these stats and raise much needed awareness of HIV. That's why the theme for this year is #RockTheRibbon, were we are asking you to wear a red ribbon with our community and be a HIV ally.
We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to end the HIV epidemic for good, but we must continue fighting the stigma still experienced by people living with HIV. Let’s support a future where HIV is no barrier to health & equality.
