Rob Anderson (Chairman of The HIV Support Centre) (second left) encourages all to wear a red ribbon with Michelle Gildernew MP MLA (Chair of Stormont Health Committee), Edwin Poots MLA, (NI Health Minister), and Dr Michael McBride (Chief Medical Officer, DHSSPSNI) | Picture: John Murphy

by Rob Anderson, Chairman of The HIV Support Centre

Today on December 1st 2011 we remember all those affected by the HIV virus, not just here in Northern Ireland but across the world.

The number of people living with HIV in the UK reached an estimated 91,500 in 2010, up from 86,500 in 2009, with a quarter of those unaware of their infection. Some 6,660 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in the UK last year, of them 3000 were gay men, the highest number ever reported. But heterosexual men remain the most likely group to be diagnosed late, at 63% compared with 39% of gay men and 58% of heterosexual women. In Northern Ireland there are approximately 1000 people living with HIV in Northern Ireland however it is estimated that this could be as high as 1250.

This year 2011 is the 30th anniversary of the first description of HIV/AIDS –a virus that has claimed the lives of more than 25 million people worldwide, and continues to do so on a daily basis. However, the spread of the HIV virus is preventable.

So, how do we as a responsible society take action to prevent, support and break the barriers of stigma that surrounds HIV? The theme of World Aids Day 2011 is ‘Zero New HIV Infections” and “Zero Discrimination’. Our call is simple. Firstly we encourage all people to know their status; a HIV test takes 60 seconds and is free. Secondly, we are calling on everyone to wear the Red Ribbon, a simple yet powerful symbol that raises awareness, breaks down the barriers of stigma and shows support for all those affected by HIV.

HIV is not visible, it does not discriminate against any section of society, it is unforgiving and it is life changing. You cannot tell a persons HIV status simply by looking at them, and leaving it to chance is no excuse. Sadly, there is still no cure for HIV, yet the advancement in early rapid testing and continuous development for better HIV medication, mean that those who have HIV can continue to live a long and fulfilled life.

The people who have taken the time to get tested are the people who are aware of their HIV status, and through their own personal responsibility strive to reduce the risk of passing on the HIV virus.

As Chairman of The HIV Support Centre my message this year is this

Please show your support by wearing a Red Ribbon and get tested and get tested early. What’s 60 seconds out of your day? It could save your life and that of those you love.

Thank you.