Leading HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust is calling on local residents in Cardiff to join them in hitting zero HIV transmissions in the UK to mark 30 years of World AIDS Day.
Terrence Higgins Trust Wales will be hosting its ‘Then, Now & Forever: 30 Years of World AIDS Day’ vigil outside Cardiff Museum on 1st December at 6pm. The event will conclude at the Terrence Higgins Trust Cardiff offices on Churchill Way at 7pm for hot chocolate and mince pies.
This is a chance to look forward to how, together we can end HIV stigma and transmissions in Wales. With local residents‘ help we can raise vital funds to tackle stigma, and support people living with HIV in Wales.
It’s estimated that between 11-18% of people living with HIV in Wales are unaware they have the infection. Although numbers are lower than in other parts of the UK, there is around a 10% increase every year in people living with HIV in Wales, with over 100 people diagnosed every year.
This World AIDS Day should be used not only to remember the lives lost to HIV/AIDS, but to look ahead to a brighter future.
Today, medical advances have come on leaps and bounds, and ending HIV transmission in the UK is finally within sight. From condoms, to PrEP, to treatment and testing, we now have a range of tools that can prevent HIV transmission.
The vision of Terrence Higgins Trust Wales is a world where people with HIV live healthy lives free from prejudice and discrimination, and good sexual health is a right and reality for all.
Sarah Fuhrmann, Service & Partnership Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust Wales, said: “On 1st December, people all over the world will wear a red ribbon in remembrance of those who lost their lives to HIV and in Wales we hope this will be no different.
‘This year, on the 30th Anniversary of World Aids Day, we want to not only remember all those whose lives were lost, but to also stand in solidarity with those families, friends, partners and colleagues whose loved ones are no longer with us. Through remembrance, we also want to celebrate the lives of everyone who today in Wales is living with and affected by HIV. By coming together on World Aids Day, we jointly can pledge to end HIV transmission in Wales and to create a future, free of HIV stigma.’
‘We will continue to work toward #ZeroHIV transmissions and #ZeroHIV stigma for all those lives lost since the first World AIDS Day 30 years ago, and all those with us today who will be right by our side helping us get there.’
Get your ribbon here: www.tht.org.uk/worldaidsday
Terrence Higgins Trust in Cardiff is based at Limerick House on Churchill Way and provides support, information and advice services for those living with HIV and affected by HIV or poor sexual health.
To find your nearest clinic, go to the service finder on : https://www.tht.org.uk/centres-and-services
