December 1 is World AIDS Day

Huron Perth, ON – Monday, December 1, marks World AIDS Day – a global movement uniting people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, this day has served as an occasion to honour the memories of the more than 44 million people worldwide who have died due to AIDS-related illnesses since the epidemic began. It also raises awareness about prevention, treatment, and the importance of addressing stigma.

“It is estimated that over 65,000 people are living with HIV in Canada. With current medical advancements, these individuals can expect to live long and healthy lives,” says Julie Bergman, public health nurse at Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH). “Despite this, misinformation and stigma continue to pose barriers to HIV elimination efforts,” Bergman adds.

One common source of misinformation and stigma is how HIV is transmitted. You can’t get HIV from casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing food and drinks. HIV can only be transmitted through direct contact with specific body fluids that contain enough of the virus to cause infection, such as blood. Importantly, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed the lives of those living with HIV by lowering the amount of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels. These individuals can live healthy lives and won’t transmit HIV to others.

HIV can affect anyone, regardless of their age, sex, gender, or race. Community members can access free HIV testing by appointment at HPPH sexual health clinics. To learn more about services offered, or to make an appointment, visit www.hpph.ca/sexualhealth.

Join HPPH in showing your support for World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon or red scarf on December 1. You may see red scarves, knitted and donated by local knitters, on parking meters and benches in downtown areas. In addition, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) has organized events as a part of their local Red Scarf Movement. Events will include the annual Red Scarf benefit concert on Saturday, November 29 at London Music Hall, and a vigil on Monday, December 1 at Innovation Works in London, with a live-stream option. For more information on the Red Scarf Movement and to get involved, visit www.redscarf.ca.