Publish date: 27 November 2023
This is the 35th year of World AIDS Day, where people join across the world to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost. In the UK, more than 105,000 people are living with HIV. Globally, an estimated 38 million people live with the virus. During the past 40 years over 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Sadly, HIV continues to be highly stigmatised and misunderstood, and people with HIV experience discrimination in work, education, housing and even healthcare settings. However, due to medical advances people with HIV in the UK can expect a long and healthy life; and we have the tools to stop HIV transmissions for good. The UK government has set a goal of ending HIV transmissions by 2030. But we need to work together to make this possible.
What can you do?
On the 1 December please show your support but wearing a red ribbon, the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV. Also, you may want to find out more information on line or at an event.
Events
Join us on 1 December at 12pm at Indigo reception area where our Infection Control colleagues are supporting WAD with a stall, come and find out more.
In Merseyside there are a number of events and displays being held led by Liverpool’s longest established HIV organisation, Sahir and the arts collective, Homotopia to mark the 35th World AIDS Day.
During the event, members of the public will be able to view a poignant piece of social history; the UK AIDS Memorial Quilts. The selection of quilts being shown were made in by loved ones of those lost to HIV related illness some of whom were from Merseyside. There are also a series of workshops and talks throughout the World AIDS Day Event including the annual World AIDS Day Vigil, Friday 1 December between 6pm to 7pm at Liverpool Parish Church.
Full details of activities can be found on the Sahir website WAD-2023-Event-booklet-AW.pdf (sahir.org.uk)