THURSDAY, 27 NOVEMBER, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHS Tayside supports World AIDS Day

NHS Tayside is supporting this year’s World AIDS Day (Monday, 1 December) with awareness raising events and HIV testing.

The campaign this year is called “What Will You Do…? and asks what people are doing to prevent HIV, challenge stigma and to remember those who have died from AIDS.

On Monday, 1December NHS Tayside is holding awareness-raising stands in Ninewells and Drumhar Health Centre in Perth. HIV testing will also be on offer at Ninewells Hospital from 10.00am – 4.00pm.

HIV affects more than 100,000 people in the UK with approximately 300 people across Tayside living with the infection.

Dr Sarah Allstaff, Consultant in HIV medicine with NHS Tayside said, “Many myths still exist about HIV but by understanding how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today, you can take care of your own health, the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly and with respect and understanding.”

HIV testing is available all year round. Speak to your doctor or make an appointment at a Sexual Health Clinic if you would like to discuss testing.  You can also visit www.sexualhealthtayside.org or www.menonlytayside.com for more information.

There is a variety of other events being held across Tayside to recognise World AIDS Day:

• World AIDS Day Community Gathering at St Paul’s Cathedral, High Street, Dundee, 6pm on Monday, 1 December with music, speakers and refreshments. Entry is free and all are welcome.

• World AIDS Day Memorial Service 7.30pm in Oasis Church, 46 Kinnoull Street, Perth. All welcome – music, poems, prayers and a candle lit vigil. Refreshments after the service.

• Look out for buildings across Tayside lit up red including Abertay University, Caird Hall, Dundee House, Overgate Centre, Olympia Centre, Angus House, County Buildings (Forfar) and the Balmashanner Monument.

Notes to editor:

What is HIV?

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system - the body's defence against diseases. When someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person with HIV is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.

How is HIV passed on?

HIV can be passed on through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal secretions or breast milk.

The most common ways HIV is passed on are:

• Sex without a condom

• Sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment

Is there a cure for HIV?

No, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. People on HIV treatment can live a healthy, active life.

Contact:

Gaynyr Dickson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716