More than 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK. Globally an estimated 34m people have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, at least 35m people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
In the years since then, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, laws have been introduced to protect people living with HIV and scientists understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year in the UK around 6,000 people are diagnosed with HIV, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.
World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
Sutton Council is encouraging Sutton residents to get tested regularly for HIV if they are sexually active and when they change sexual partners because HIV often has no symptoms. Getting tested for HIV means that, if someone is infected with the virus, they can receive treatment and care before the infection causes too much damage to their body and health.
Cllr Colin Stears, Chair of the Adult Social Services and Health Committee at Sutton Council, said:
“More than 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK. HIV is no respecter of persons, affecting all sections of the community, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or whether rich or poor.
“Sutton residents are thoughtful and caring people, as shown by the incredible amount of voluntary work and volunteering they do in the community. They can support efforts to find a cure for HIV and AIDS and to show solidarity with people living with the condition by wearing a ribbon.
“Residents can be tested for HIV at their GP surgery, sexual health clinics or the Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic at St Helier Hospital. Don’t put off being tested, for the sake of your health and your partners’.”
This year’s World AIDS Day international theme is Getting to Zero and has been set by the World AIDS Campaign, an international coalition of HIV and AIDS groups and networks.
Find out more about HIV by reading the Do It London HIV Testing: FAQ by clicking here.