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.

Adam Wilkinson, Regional Manager for Lighthouse West London (part of Terrence Higgins Trust) 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?

Adam continued: “Demand for our services in London 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.”

A remembrance service will be held at Lighthouse West London at 7pm on World AIDS Day. The event will be held in partnership with CARA. Refreshments will be available afterwards, and everyone is welcome. Terrence Higgins Trust is also working in partnership with Topshop to run a celebrity shopping evening at Topshop’s Oxford Circus store on Thursday 2nd December. From 6pm to 10pm, 10% of all sales will be donated to Terrence Higgins Trust.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Over 3,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in London in 2003 (1)
• There are over 20,000 people living with HIV in London (1)
• Spokespeople from Lighthouse West London 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