Warrington Town Hall will be lit up red today, Monday 1 December, in support of World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.
Medical advances mean people with HIV in the UK can expect a long and healthy life and that we have the tools to stop HIV transmissions for good. However, HIV continues to be highly stigmatised and misunderstood with many people delaying getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment.
Getting tested for HIV is quick, free and easy to do and it’s the only way to find out if you have HIV. If you are living with HIV, starting treatment early means you can live a full and healthy life.
There are lots of ways you can get a test:
- Visit Axess sexual health service in Warrington for a test
- Order a free self-sampling HIV test from Axess sexual health website
- Order a postal test kit from the Terrence Higgins Trust website
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and social care, said: “World AIDS Day is a vital reminder that HIV is still with us. We must continue to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and stand by those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.
Knowing your HIV status is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your health and help achieve the national goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.”
Dr Martyn Wood, Consultant in HIV Medicine at Axess sexual health said: “World AIDS Day gives us a moment to reflect on those that we have lost to HIV and AIDS, but also a time to reflect and celebrate how far treatment and prevention has come. Those living with HIV can now lead healthy lives with minimal monitoring after receiving treatment.”
You can get involved in World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon – a great way to raise awareness. The red ribbon is the symbol of support for anyone who has been affected by HIV and AIDS.
To find out more information about HIV and AIDS visit the NHS website.
