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.

David Greenway, Regional Manager for THT Yorkshire 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?

David continued: “Demand for our services in Leeds 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.”

World AIDS Day events in Yorkshire include World AIDS Day vigil at Swarthmore Education Centre, and a candlelit procession to THT’s offices. This event will include “A Space to Remember” with a choir, poems and speakers. A street collection in Leeds city centre on Saturday 4th December is just one of a number of fundraising events taking place in city venues in the next few days.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Over 400 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Yorkshire and Humberside in 2003 (1)
• There are currently nearly 1,400 people living with HIV in Yorkshire and Humberside (1)
• Spokespeople from THT Yorkshire 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

 
World AIDS Day events in Leeds include:

• 28th November Sponsored “pay to pain” wax at The Base
• 30th November Come along and be a DJ for the night at The Basement nightclub
• 1st December World AIDS Day vigil at Swarthmore Education Centre, and a candlelit procession to THT’s offices. This event will include A Space to Remember with a choir, poems and speakers. Raffle and quiz night in aid of THT Yorkshire at The Base
• 2nd December Karaoke night at The Bridge, and a speed dating night at Fibre
• 4th December Street collection in Leeds city centre
• 7th December A pre-drinks party at The Bridge, followed by Drag Idol at the Birdcage

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