We are winning the fight against HIV, but we are losing the fight against ignorance.
HIV diagnoses are falling in the UK, meaning the spread of the virus is slowing down. However, we cannot be complacent; we must continue to build on this progress, to end new transmissions for good.
Our fight is not just about the virus. There are still a great many people living with HIV in the UK, there is no cure, and people still face ignorance and discrimination that can limit their opportunities, preventing them from living full and happy lives. In the past HIV has meant you are more likely to live in poverty, and more likely to have poor mental health, lets end that.
Although transmission of the virus is slowing in the UK, nearly half of people who test positive are finding out they have HIV very late, meaning the virus may have damaged their health permanently.
This year, to mark World AIDS Day, we are asking local partner organisations to join us in sending a message out to everyone who has acquired, or has been at risk of acquiring HIV, that HIV is no longer the life limiting condition many people believe it to be.
On this page, you will find links to images and videos produced by the HIV charities, I-Base and National AIDS Trust. All we ask is that you share these as far and wide as possible on your social media channels. These images succinctly describe the amazing new developments in the field of HIV treatment and prevention. You can also find information and sharable images around PrEP or Pre Exposure Prophylaxis at www.prep.scot
Rock the Ribbon! Campaign Resources for social media (at bottom of page)
http://www.worldaidsday.org/2018-campaign/
I-Base, U=U resources
We are also offering the opportunity for our partners to print posters or order resources. If you would like to receive, posters, red ribbons, condoms or post-cards, please get in touch with Graeme Cockburn on graeme.cockburn@nhs.net . Please use the subject heading: “WAD Resources”, in your email.
In order to help reduce stigma around HIV testing and treatment, remind everyone that it’s not over yet, and hopefully challenge the complacency around HIV, more Dundee organisations than ever are “Painting the Town Red!”
Lighting the buildings up Red, symbolises the Red Ribbon, the universal mark of awareness and support for people living with HIV, and remembrance of those we have lost.
Businesses, charities and statutory bodies will join together on World AIDS Day, to raise awareness of the fantastic new developments around HIV treatment and show their support for people living with HIV, by lighting their buildings red.
Buildings who are taking part include; Slessor Gardens, Dundee Train Station, the V&A, Caird Hall, Dundee House, DC Thomson Building Meadowside, Dundee High School, Overgate, DCA and Dundee Rep, among others.
So, what are these new developments?
While there is still no cure for HIV, the treatments available are so effective in suppressing the virus, that the chance of any HIV-positive person, taking HIV medication, transmitting the virus to a sexual partner, is virtually zero. The Levels of HIV in the blood are so low, they can’t be passed on sexually. This understanding is frequently expressed as Undetectable equals Untransmittable, or U=U.
Advancements also include, Pre and Post Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP and PEPÂ . In most PrEP studies, no one became infected if they took PrEP as recommended.
The drugs used in PrEP are the same drugs prescribed to thousands of people living with HIV every year.
- U=U and the availability of PrEP, means being having HIV is no longer a barrier to starting a family.
- U=U means that you’re in control of your health.
The first step to U=U is knowing your HIV status. If you have been at risk of HIV, you should think about getting a test. Please remember, U=U doesn’t prevent the spread of other STIs, so correct use of condoms and lubricant is still important.
Come and join us at Ninewells concourse, level 7 on Friday the 30th November, get your free Red Ribbon and more information on the amazing developments around HIV in the UK.
We will also be at Park Run in Camperdown Park on December 1st from 9am and later, holding a stall in the Overgate. (at the Costa curve!)
Will you join us in the fight against ignorance on World AIDS Day?
Will you help us to get the message out about Undetectable = Untransmittable and PrEP?
Will you stand with us as we attempt to stamp out HIV and HIV-related stigma and discrimination?
Of course you will!
Information Loop Presentations
Campaign Videos, Party Leaders
http://www.worldaidsday.org/video/
Rock the Ribbon! Campaign Resources for social Media (at bottom of page)
http://www.worldaidsday.org/2018-campaign/
I-Base, U=U resources
PrEP information