Liz Dickson, Katie Hooper and Mike Newson, from SLaM’s (South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust) HIV Team, CASCAID, took part in the World AIDS Day 5k Red Run at Victoria Park at the weekend to raise money for HIV Charities promoting awareness of the realities of living with HIV, while helping to reduce shame and stigma.
Liz, CASCAID team manager says: “It was a really lovely and meaningful day where people came together to show their support for people living with HIV. Around three thousand people took part in spite of the terrible running conditions, aka Storm Bert. The team are feeling a bit stiff and sore today, but it was worth it and we will be there again next year.”
Katie Hooper, a mental health nurse has so far raised over £500 for Metro HIV Charity Liz Dickson is fundraising for Positively UK .
World AIDS Day – 1 December 2024
Maudsley Hospital has been lit up in red this week leading up to World AIDS Day on Sunday 1 December 2024.
World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.
Lambeth and Southwark have the highest numbers of people living with HIV in the UK and research has shown that SLaM service users are 2.5 times more likely to be living with HIV than the local population.
Why is World AIDS Day important?
In the UK, more than 105,000 people are living with HIV. Globally, an estimated 38 million people live with the virus. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses over the past 40 years, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Medical advances mean people with HIV in the UK can expect a long and healthy life and that we have the tools to stop HIV transmissions for good. But HIV continues to be highly stigmatised and misunderstood. People still experience discrimination because of HIV, including in work, education, housing and even healthcare.
World AIDS Day exists to shine a light on the real experiences of people living with HIV today, while celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected.
What can you do:
- Wear the Red Ribbon – you can pick up one from Maudsley Reception
- Get tested: Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have HIV. If you are living with HIV, starting treatment early means you can live a full, healthy and productive life. Free and confidential HIV tests are available from NHS sexual health clinics (also called GUM clinics). Free self-sampling HIV test kits are available to people from certain areas in England here. Free self-testing STI kits sent to your home address can also be ordered here: Sexual Health London • SHL.UK
Do you know about U=U?
U=U stands for “Undetectable=Untransmittable” and is a campaign explaining how the sexual transmission of HIV can be stopped. This means that people living with HIV who have an undetectable level of virus in their blood due to anti-retroviral treatment (ART) are unable to transmit the virus to others during sex. When a person is undetectable, condoms are not required to prevent HIV transmission, but being undetectable does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
For Pandora who has contributed over the years to our World Aids Day’ features, there is a need to change the story about HIV.
“For 21 years I have had the same brilliant Consultant at my HIV Clinic. He has seen me through the safe birth of my son, and given care, life-preserving medication and reassurance throughout my journey with HIV. How often does this happen? I feel really fortunate. My thoughts are with those who for many different reasons are not accessing the medication they need, quite apart from a living life free from stigma and shame. We need to change the story about HIV and proactively reach those who need the help so that we can eradicate this disease forever.”
Click below to read a tribute to our first contributor.