MONDAY,28 NOVEMBER, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHS Tayside supports World AIDS Day

NHS Tayside is supporting this year’s World AIDS Day (Thursday, 1 December) with a number of awareness raising events.

The campaign this year is called Rock the Ribbon and asks people to challenge the stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV across the world.

On Thursday, 1 December members from NHS Tayside’s Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus team, Men Only Tayside and Terrence Higgins Trust will be at the Gather Space, Overgate, Dundee from 9am-4pm to distribute red ribbons and raise awareness of the developments and progress in HIV care.

HIV care has been revolutionised in the last 30 years. Whilst there is still no cure for HIV, the treatments available today are so effective that someone with an undetectable HIV viral load and on treatment cannot pass on HIV.

NHS Tayside Clinical Lead for HIV, Dr Sarah Allstaff, said, “As we mark this year’s World AIDS Day, we will continue to remember those who are no longer with us, those who paved the way to where we stand today and celebrate the achievements in HIV medicine and the hope it gives.

“Whilst there is still no cure for HIV, the treatments available today are so effective that someone on treatment with an undetectable HIV viral load cannot pass on the virus and people taking these medicines can anticipate a normal life expectancy. That is something that was unimaginable 40 years ago when this virus was first described.

“It is better for your health to begin HIV treatment sooner, rather than later. This is why regular testing is so important.

“Come along and visit us at the Overgate this World Aids Day as we aim to end HIV stigma and support HIV rights.”

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

• World AIDS Day Candlelit walk - St Paul’s Cathedral, High Street, Dundee, 5pm on Thursday, 1 December. Join Reverend Roxanne Campbell, from St Paul’s Cathedral, who will lead a candlelit walk around Dundee city centre. This will be accompanied by a brief poetry reading.

• Look out for buildings across Tayside lit up red including Caird Hall, Dundee High School, Dundee Rep Theatre, DC Thomson, Discovery Point, Slessor Gardens, St Paul's Church Perth, and Perth Bridge

• If you are unable to attend any of the events, but still want to show support, email the NHS Tayside Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Managed Care Network who will send out a red ribbon, HIV information and condoms, if required.

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716