December 1st is World Aids Day

Beautiful in a Sick Kind of Way by Pippa Ward, machine embroidery on canvas, 100 x 130 cm (Fine Art student at UCA, Farnham)

World Aids Day

What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the body’s immune system – the body’s defence against diseases

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person is considered to have AIDS when the immune system has become so weak that it can no longer fight off a whole range of diseases with which it would normally cope

World Aids Day

HIV Facts: International Statistics

There are over 33 million people living with HIV worldwide

Since AIDS was first identified over 20 years ago, more than 25 million people have died

There are more than 11 million children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS in Africa

World Aids Day

HIV Facts: UK Statistics

There are more than 80,000 people living with HIV in the UK

Between 7,000 and 8,000 people are diagnosed with HIV in the UK each year

World Aids Day

HIV Facts: UK Statistics

Almost half the people living with HIV have been living with the virus for 4 years before diagnosis

You have the right to not tell anyone, including employers about your HIV status and this right is protected by law

Stolen Glances by Tessa Boffin(UCA archives)

World Aids Day

HIV Facts: UK Statistics

22% of people living with HIV are unaware of their infection

World Aids Day

HIV Treatment

There is no cure for HIV but since 1995 there have been drugs available to treat it

Most people with HIV only need to take 1 or 2 pills a day

Someone living with HIV and receiving prompt effective treatment can expect to live for as long as someone without HIV

The Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune by Tessa Boffin, (UCA archives)black and white photo collage

World Aids Day

Unless you’re absolutely sure of a partner’s HIV status safer sex is the best choice to make

The best way to protect yourself against HIV is to use a condom during sex

If you are an intravenous drug user do not share needles

Protect Yourself against HIV

World Aids Day

HIV and STD testing

Visit your local GUM (genital urinary medical) clinic for: HIV and STD testing, emergency contraception and free condoms

The nearest GUM clinic is Aldershot Centre for Health, Entrance Level, Hospital Hill, Aldershot, Hants GU11 1AY 0300 300 2016

www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk

World AIDS Day and the red ribbon

World AIDS DAY is always on 1st December. It was the very first international health day

It was started by the World Health Organisation in 1988 in recognition of the need to address the HIV pandemic

The red ribbon is worn across the world as a sign of support for people living with HIV

World Aids Day

Where can I buy the red ribbon?

Visit the UCA Farnham Library to buy your red ribbon

Browse our HIV and AIDS related books and DVDs