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.

Sue Peters, Regional Manager for THT West 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?

Sue continued: “Demand for our services in Bristol and Swindon 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. We’ve also got a huge variety of fundraising and awareness raising activities taking place right across the region over the next few days.”

There will be three World AIDS Day vigils taking place across the region. On Wednesday 1st, there are events in Bath (Holy Trinity Church) and Swindon (The Pilgrim Centre), along with Bristol (THT West’s offices) on Thursday 2nd. The Bristol and Bath Global Arts & Music Fiesta, running from Saturday 27th November, features creative pieces of work from local community groups and individuals which illustrate World AIDS Day and living with HIV. THT West is also working with many schools, colleges and universities in the region, as well as organising a variety of street collections and awareness roadshows.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Over 200 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in the West in 2003 (1)
• There are currently over 1,100 people living with HIV in the West (1)
• Spokespeople from THT West are available for interview. Please contact the THT press office.
• 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