WARRINGTON’S public health team is raising awareness of how to prevent HIV and encouraging people to wear a red ribbon on World AIDS Day.
A red ribbon is worn on Sunday December 1 as a sign of support for people living with HIV and is a way to challenge the stigma and prejudice surrounding AIDS.
The team is also trying to bust some of the myths people associate with HIV and encourage people to get tested themselves this week, National Testing Week.
On Saturday, red ribbons and World AIDS Day information will be given out at the Christmas markets in the town centre to help raise awareness of the issues.
Staff from public health, the youth service, and the Warrington sexual health service will be on hand to answer any questions from members of the public.
Recent figures from Liverpool John Moores University Department of Public Health show there were 7,329 people living with and accessing treatment for HIV in the North West last year – the highest level ever and a five per cent increase on 2011.
The number of individuals accessing services at a late stage of HIV has increased by 25 per cent in the last five years.
Cllr Pat Wright, the borough council’s lead member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “This is an opportunity for local residents to join the worldwide fight against HIV and show support for people living with HIV. There are no specific symptoms and that’s why it’s important to get tested and get the right treatment so I would encourage as many people as possible to take this opportunity and get tested.”
The Warrington Sexual Health Service, based in the Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre, offers local sexual health screening and free testing.
Contact 01925 662476 to make an appointment and to check walk-in times or visit www.bridgewater.nhs.uk/warrington/sexualhealth for more information
WARRINGTON’S public health team is raising awareness of how to prevent
HIV and encouraging people to wear a red ribbon on World AIDS Day.
Raising awareness of HIV
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
