World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is marked internationally on 1 December.

In 2017 the World AIDS Day national theme is HIV is still here – and it's on the move

This is a time to raise awareness in the wider community about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. It is a day to demonstrate support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died. Wearing a red ribbon is a way that you can show solidarity and raise awareness of HIV.

A TIME TO REMEMBER

This is also a time when we remember the members of the bleeding disorder community who were affected by HIV when in the mid-1980s HIV was transmitted through some batches of clotting factor treatment product.

In 2017 HIV continues to be a part of our community’s experience. Some people with bleeding disorders live on with the challenges of HIV. The personal story of Anth in this issue of National Haemophilia reminds us how vital it is to create a supportive and stigma-free environment for our community, and to acknowledge these individuals who inspire us by their positive attitude, resilience and determination to build a better future.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Learn more about HIV in your community and share this knowledge with others
• Take action to prevent transmission of HIV by promoting safe sex practices
• Support and understand people in your community living with or affected by HIV
• And uphold the right of people living with HIV to participate in the community free from stigma and discrimination.