December 1 is World AIDS Day

Huron Perth, ON – Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is recognizing World AIDS Day on December 1. The day is an annual opportunity to honour the lives lost due to HIV/AIDS and to recognize the positive advances HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. December 1 also launches the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week in Canada.

Better HIV treatments and improved access to treatment are resulting in a decline in new HIV infections globally. Medical advances mean people with HIV can live a long and healthy life and not transmit the virus to others. People living with HIV who take antiretroviral therapy and who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV sexually, a concept known as U = U (undetectable = untransmittable). “This is life-changing for many people living with HIV because it can reduce the anxiety about passing HIV, and it helps to reduce HIV stigma,” says Jane DeBlock, Public Health Nurse at HPPH. “Stigma may prevent someone from getting tested or seeking treatment for HIV.”

HIV testing is easy and is available for free at all HPPH sexual health clinics. More information about the services offered at clinics, including how to make an appointment, can be found at www.hpph.ca/sexualhealth.

Local World AIDS Day events, organized by Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, include a vigil on Friday, December 1. The vigil will be held from 7 to 8 pm at Innovation Works, 201 King Street in London and will also be live streamed at www.redscarf.ca/vigil. People can also honour World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon or scarf.

For more information:

• Huron Perth Public Health: 1-888-221-2133
• Visit www.hpph.ca
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