In the year that has seen two people a week diagnosed with HIV in Northern Ireland, the HIV Support Centre, the leading HIV/AIDS charity in the province, is holding three events in conjunction with Belfast City Council, Armagh City and District Council, and Derry City Council to mark World AIDS Day.
Every week in Northern Ireland, approximately 2 people are diagnosed with HIV
Speaking in advance of the events, Jennifer Andrews, Director of the HIV Support Centre said:
In Northern Ireland we have a growing problem with the spread of HIV in our community. We have a younger generation who missed the ‘safer sex’ message of the 80s and 90s who – if they are aware of HIV at all – think it only exists in Africa and/or that it can be cured with a pill: if only that were true!
The reality of HIV is that for most the virus can be successfully managed with the improved medication that is now available, however it is a major change in lifestyle and together with the fear of prejudice, it can be difficult to accept being HIV positive. Why does this prejudice exist? Because people are naturally frightened of what they don’t understand.
The message is clear: if in doubt, get checked out immediately. Putting it off because of embarrassment could put your health or even your life at risk.
Held on 1 December every year, World AIDS Day (WAD) is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV. WAD is about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education.
AIDS is a global emergency that affects every country and every city in the world. Right now there are 33 million people living with HIV – 80,000 of those people are in the UK and a quarter of them don’t yet know they are infected.
700 people have been diagnosed in Northern Ireland,
the numbers are rising now
2 people every week find out they have been infected by HIV
Stopping the Spread of HIV in Northern Ireland
This year Armagh City and District, Belfast City and Derry City Councils have joined forces with the HIV Support Centre to help increase awareness of the need for education and understanding of HIV in Northern Ireland.
In Armagh, Springboard Youth Group will share their learning and understanding of HIV both in Northern Ireland and internationally. The teenagers intend to go back to their communities to continue to inform young people in their areas of what they need to know about HIV and why they should care.
Other awareness events are taking place in Belfast City and Derry City, sponsored by both Councils, targeting social and community groups to recognise the need for awareness and education throughout Northern Ireland.
The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.
Tags: AIDS, Armagh, Armagh City & District Council, balloons, Belfast, Belfast City Council, Derry, Derry City Council, HIV, Londonderry, red ribbon, Springboard, Springboard Youth Group, World Aids Day
