World Aids Day 2017 (1 December) #EndIt
Posted: 1 December 2017 at 10:31 am | Author: Alison German
Today is World Aids Day!
World Aids Day is a national awareness day dedicated to highlighting the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.
This year has seen the first significant reduction in HIV diagnosis for gay men in London. This is due to frequent testing, rapid treatment and PrEP. The National Aids Trust (NAT) is looking for a new burst of energy in order to grow this success to include everybody at risk, wherever they may be in the UK.
But the fight doesn’t end with the virus itself. World Aids Day is also about pushing against the ignorance and discrimination that still limits the opportunities of over 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK. Those living with HIV are more likely to live in poverty, and more likely to have poor mental health.
What you can do
Campaign: Contact your local MP and ensure they are showing leadership on HIV. Make sure they understand the needs and priorities of their constituents who are living with or affected by HIV.
Educate: Download campaign resources from the World Aid’s Day website, and turn your school or workplace into an education hub. Encourage people to learn more about the history of HIV, what life with HIV is like, and how to protect themselves from being at risk of HIV. Fight stigma by breaking down the many myths surrounding HIV.
Fundraise: Get involved! There are many fundraising activities which can raise vital funds for the National Aids Trust (NAT). Doing so will ensure NAT continues to champion the rights of people with HIV and campaign for policy change. Download NATs fundraising pack
Volunteer: NAT offer volunteering opportunities with the following teams in its central London office: administration, communications, finance, fundraising and policy/campaigns. If you are interested in volunteering with NAT, send them a message and they will try to match you with relevant upcoming opportunities.
For further information about World Aid’s Day visit www.worldaidsday.org