Today the 1st December is World Aids Day. Across the world people will have an opportunity today to show their support for those with HIV or AIDS by wearing the red ribbon. This is also a day to remember those who have died and unite in the fight against HIV.
World Aids Day was first held in 1988. The 5-Day National World Aids Day Campaign has been running since the 27th November. Statistics show since the beginning of the epidemic an estimated 78 million people have contracted the virus and more than 35 million people have died of HIV.
In support of the campaign an tArdmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh said, “I wish to highlight the need for people to understand the stigma that is still attached to HIV in Ireland and work on how we can begin to break it down. This is best done by openly challenging HIV discrimination when it occurs. Oibrímis le chéile chun dearcadh an phobail i leith VEID in Éirinn a fheabhsú”
“Positive Now stands in solidarity with those living with HIV and AIDS around the world. We will continue to work together to help combat the HIV related stigma and discrimination which greatly impacts on individuals living with this illness. This campaign is a significant and welcome step in raising awareness about HIV in Ireland today,” Lysander Preston, Chairperson of Positive Now, the all-Ireland network of people living with HIV said.
The key message during this campaign was Solidarity for those who are living with HIV or a loved one who suffers with the virus. Scientists are doing everything they can to come up with a cure for the virus, but while they are still researching more and more people are still contracting the virus in Ireland and across the world. In 2014 a report by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre showed that 377 people had been diagnosed with HIV in Ireland. Compared to 2013 this would mean an increase of 11% newly diagnosed individuals.
What should you do today to help those who have been infected with this deadly and life destroying virus? You are asked to wear your red ribbon today and you can donate money to the National AIDS Trust to show your support or purchase a Red Ribbon. There will be events held across the country and cities to help raise money for further research and for those who are in need of medical attention.
