World AIDS Day 2016
What is World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.
Why is World AIDS Day important?
Over 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK. Globally there are an estimated 34 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we 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.
What can I do on World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show support and solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV. Wearing a red ribbon (https://www.worldaidsday.org/the-red-ribbon) is one simple way to do this. You can buy one from University House today.
There are plenty of events happening all over the country as well as some in Manchester.
World AIDS Day Solidarity Space
Date: Wednesday 30th November
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF
Join LGBT Foundation for an informal social space for anyone affected by HIV, including friends, family members and supporters.
You’ll have an opportunity to paint a tile that reflects your experiences, forming a commemorative piece of artwork for Manchester’s World AIDS Day Vigil.
These tiles pay tribute to the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. In June of 1987, a small group of strangers gathered in a San Francisco storefront to document the lives they feared history would neglect. Their goal was to create a memorial for those who had died of AIDS, and to thereby help people understand the devastating impact of the disease. This meeting of devoted friends and lovers served as the foundation of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. Today the Quilt, with More than 48,000 individual 3-by-6-foot memorial panels, is a powerful visual reminder of the AIDS pandemic.
All materials will be provided, just bring your thoughts and creativity.
More information
World AIDS Day Candlelit Procession and Vigil
Date: Thursday 1st December
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: Sackville Gardens, Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3HB
Join the beautiful candlelit procession and vigil on World AIDS Day, where we remember those we have lost to HIV and show our support for people living with HIV today.
Where can I get tested?
LGBT Foundation offers a range of rapid HIV clinics for men who sex with men, including one on campus. We'll have a brief chat about exposure and risk before taking a small sample of blood using a lancer (a small pin prick on the finger), which will then be placed on a testing strip. In total your appointment will last approximately 45 minutes, and you'll find out your results in the appointment itself.
Every Thursday – Rapid HIV testing
12pm - 5pm
University of Salford, School of Nursing, Mary Seacole Building, Salford, M5 4WT
Please note this is a drop-in space and the last test will take place at 4:15pm.
Have a look at a full list of locations providing sexual, reproductive and HIV services for men and women of all ages in Salford.
Where can I get further support?
- Support for those living with or affected by HIV: www.ght.org.uk
- Information on HIV testing: lgbt.foundation/testing
- Services for people with HIV: www.manchester.gov.uk/info/202/support_for_adults_with_hiv/2252/human_immunodeficiency_virus_hiv/1
- NHS Services including Sexual Health support: www.manchester.nhs.uk
- Services for Young People: www.fresh4manchester.com
- Confidential information for under 25’s: www.brook.org.uk/stis/types-of-stis/hiv
- Support for Black and Minority Ethnic communities: thebha.org.uk/sexualhealth
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