The 1st December is World AIDS Day, a time when we come together to remember all those who have died from the disease but also to celebrate the progress that has been made in treatment of HIV.
In the eighties and early nineties, the messaging about AIDS was very clear and straightforward. Everyone who was around at that time remembers “AIDS: don’t die of ignorance”, the slogan for a massive public health campaign. Things have changed enormously since then. A person who acquires the HIV virus today and is able to quickly start on a treatment regime, will not only most likely live a normal life for a normal lifespan, but also be unable to pass on the virus. Although it is also the case that there are some for whom the virus will cause daily challenges.
Messaging about HIV has become more nuanced in recent years. The slogan U=U is derived from “undetectable = untransmittable”. This is a reference to the fact that effective HIV treatment reduces the presence of the virus in the body to such an extent that it cannot be passed on. I find that most people I ask have either not heard of or do not understand this message. The Terrence Higgins Trust’s version “Can’t Pass It On” is catchier and more likely to be retained and understood.
World AIDS Day in Brighton
Brighton has a number of events for World AIDS Day, including a candlelit vigil at the AIDS monument on the New Steine at 6 o’clock on the day. Brighton is a World Leader in HIV prevention and treatment, with the international status of a “Fast Track City”.
At the Sussex Beacon (a proud Chamber member) we have the only hospital providing specialist HIV care in the South of England. It is a unique resource that is supported by many businesses in the City and across Sussex. We have many ways to get involved, including through our event, the Brighton Half Marathon, where we are always looking for runners who are prepared to run for sponsorship for us.
On the 1st December we will remember the people who have died at the Sussex Beacon and think about the many of people living with HIV that we see every day of the year, for whom life is a struggle as a result of HIV related illnesses.
We hope that you will take a moment to reflect on the day. It is good to see as many people as can make it come to the vigil in the evening. HIV has moved down the list of causes that gain constant public attention, but it is still with us and still important to understand.
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