In the week leading up to World AIDS Day on Wednesday 1st December, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) 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.

Tina Prashar, Acting Regional Manager for THT in Coventry 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?

Tina continued: “Demand for our services in Coventry 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.”

On 27th November, Coventry will be marking World AIDS Day with a benefit night at Rainbows in Short Street, from 8pm onwards. A raffle on the night will include Naomi Campbell’s signed handbag!

On Worlds AIDS Day, 1st December, a candlelit vigil, attended by Coventry’s Lord Mayor, will take place from 6 to 7pm under the canopy at Broadgate in the city centre. It will be followed by a candlelit procession to the Chapel of Unity at Coventry Cathedral where a World AIDS Day inter-faith service will take place from 7 to 8pm.

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