Upcoming Events / Schedules
World AIDS Day
Around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world - and that number increases in every region every day. In the UK alone, more than 60,000 people are living with HIV and more than 7,000 more are diagnosed every year. Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease.
World AIDS Day, 1 December is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year, it's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.
The virtual red ribbon will link you to the main site for World AIDS Day which is full of ideas on how you can make a difference on the day.
You, Me, Us
You, Me, Us - We can prevent the spread of HIV and end prejudice. A unified theme for events and activities taking place around the UK taking place on and around the 1st December.
You - Wear a Ribbon
The red ribbon has been an international symbol of HIV for fifteen years. Wear one as a sign that together we CAN stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.
Wearing a red ribbon is one of the easiest ways you can make a difference on 1 December. Not just by wearing one yourself, but also encouraging your friends, colleagues and family to wear one as well.
Order a red ribbon collection box and raise awareness and money for the National AIDS Trust.
Me - Talk to People
Talking openly about HIV to your friends, family, colleagues or pupils is one of the most powerful ways of ending prejudice and preventing the spread of HIV.
Since HIV was first identified a quarter of a century ago, it has been a stigmatised disease, resulting in silence and denial. Every day someone with HIV experiences discrimination at work, in healthcare and among family and friends. Stigma discourages people from testing for HIV or disclosing their status to their partner, which fuels the spread of the disease.
Read personal stories of discrimination on the National Aids Trust Website
Us - Get Involved in Events
By attending or organising an event, you can help spread the word and break the silence on HIV in the UK.
Search National World Aids Day events listing's for things happening throughout the UK to mark World AIDS Day. Read on for regional Events throughout Sunderland.
Myspace
If you have a Myspace account, you can show your support for World AIDS Day by adding the following to your friends list - http://www.myspace.com/worldaidsday
National AIDS Trust
The National AIDS Trust (NAT) is the UK's leading independent policy and campaigning voice on HIV and AIDS.
They develop policies and campaign to improve the quality of life of people affected by HIV, both in the UK and internationally.
They aim to prevent the spread of HIV, ensure people living with HIV have access to treatment and care, and eradicate HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
NAT's four strategic goals are:
- Effective HIV prevention in order to halt the spread of HIV
- Early diagnosis of HIV through ethical, accessible and appropriate testing
- Equity of access to treatment, care and support for people living with HIV
- Eradication of HIV-related stigma and discrimination
HIV Discrimination is now illegal, yet it still exists. Ignorance about how HIV is transmitted as well as homophobia, racism and anti-immigration sentiment combine to make HIV an extremely stigmatised condition. People living with HIV can experience prejudice and discrimintation at their place of work, in accessing healthcare, in the media and among friends and relatives.
HIV prejudice can prevent people from testing for HIV or accessing healthcare for fear of discrimination if diagnosed HIV positive. This has serious consequences for people's health and can limit the effectiveness of treatment.
Challenging stigma and discrimination is central to AIDS awareness work conducted by the National AIDs Trust , as mentioned above in their four strategic goals.
Further Information
Find out further information about the work bing done to raise AIDS awareness and for those who suffer from the disease by using the links below:
Terrence Higgins Trust
Now there is a treatment that may prevent HIV infection after the virus has entered the body - PEP - Post Exposure Prophylaxis.
Find out more on the Terrence Higgins Trust Website
There are tests available locally that can test for HIV infection in as little as 1 Hour.
At the Sunderland GUM clinic, you can actually get a result to an AIDs test within 15 minutes! The GUM clinic offer the test to those who decline the lab test where the stress of waiting may be to-much to handle, those who want a prompt test and those who they believe to be at significant risk and an immediate diagnosis will make a difference. The tests are available Monday to Friday. Contact Sunderland Royal Hospital for further information. (0191 5656256).
Poster from this years World Aids Day