In the week leading up to World AIDS Day on Wednesday 1st December, Terrence Higgins Trust is urging everyone in the UK to recognise the impact of the HIV epidemic both here and across the world. Last year, more than 6,600 people were diagnosed with HIV in the UK, and the figure for this year is set to rise even further.

Jackie Redding, Regional Manager for THT Midlands said: “Someone in the UK finds out they have HIV every 90 minutes, and it is now the fastest-growing serious health condition in the country. This World AIDS Day, take the time to think about your own sexual health, and also look at some of your beliefs about HIV – are you as well-informed as you think?

Jackie continued: “Demand for our services in Birmingham is increasing all the time and we need your support now more than we’ve ever done. You can help by wearing a red ribbon to show your support for people with HIV, donating time or money to Terrence Higgins Trust or by joining our e-campaign at www.tht.org.uk/campaign.”

Birmingham will be marking World AIDS Day this year with a vigil at 7pm in the Banqueting Suite at the Council House, followed on December 2nd by collections at a KD Lang concert at the NEC.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Over 440 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in the West Midlands in 2003 (1)
• There are currently over 1,600 people under treatment for HIV in the West Midlands (1)
• Spokespeople from THT Midlands are available for interview. Please contact the THT press office on 020 7816 8622
• 6,600 people were diagnosed with HIV in the UK in 2003, 20% more than in 2002

Terrence Higgins Trust is the leading HIV charity in the UK, with offices in London, Leeds, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Coventry, Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff, Swindon, Swansea, Brighton, Eastbourne, Colchester, Southend and Staines

1. All figures courtesy of the Health Protection Agency. For more information see www.hpa.org.uk