- Not wanting others to think they have HIV was the most common reason for feeling uncomfortable wearing the red ribbon (34 per cent).
- Rates of undiagnosed HIV remain unacceptably high – with one in eight people living with HIV unaware they have the virus.
- First time ever that people diagnosed with HIV and on treatment have the same overall mortality rate as the general population.
The YouGov survey of 2,049 people found that 20 per cent of British adults would feel uncomfortable wearing a red ribbon on World AIDS Day to show support and raise awareness of HIV.
Shockingly, over a third (34 per cent) of these respondents said this was because they wouldn’t want other people to think they have HIV or AIDS.
This comes despite the news that people diagnosed with HIV have – for the very first time – the same overall mortality rate as the general public.
New Public Health England figures released this month show rates of undiagnosed HIV remain unacceptably high, with one in eight of all people living with HIV unaware they have the virus. This is bad for their health and increases the likelihood of them unwittingly passing on HIV.
Quote textToday the UK is closer than ever to beating HIV with an 18 per cent drop in new diagnoses in the UK – the first significant decline since the very start of the epidemic. But we won’t achieve this ambition until we stamp out HIV stigma for good.
His Royal Highness Prince Harry has committed to tackling the stigma that surrounds HIV and proudly wears a red ribbon.
Prince Harry and Ms Markle will visit an event in Nottingham, hosted by Terrence Higgins Trust to mark World AIDS Day, for their first official public engagement.
Quote textWe mustn't be complacent. We've got everything here: all the equipment, all the testing ability. We owe it to this generation to be able to eradicate this once and for all.
HIV treatment works by reducing the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels, which protects the immune system from damage. This also means that those on effective treatment can’t pass it on to sexual partners.
Stigma and fear remain key barriers to testing, diagnosis and access to life-saving treatment.
To show the extent of HIV stigma that still exists in 2017, Terrence Higgins Trust today released a video with real messages sent to people living with HIV on dating apps.
The messages, echoing comments often associated with the 1980s, were all received by people living with HIV this year and highlight the stigma and misinformation that prevails around the long term condition.
Quote textOver the past 30 years we have come a long way but it is completely unacceptable that in 2017 there is still a stigma associated with HIV. The red ribbon of World AIDS Day should be seen as a symbol of unity and the excellent progress we’re making towards eliminating HIV infections and HIV associated deaths.
Over in the city, the Bank of England is marking the day by lighting up its Threadneedle Street building red as a symbol of support for all those affected by HIV.
Quote textWe will also be asking our colleagues to donate to Terrence Higgins Trust by purchasing a red ribbon on the day. Fundraising enables the charity to continue their important work offering support, information and advice services for those living with and affected by HIV.
Terrence Higgins Trust wants the world to See Red tomorrow to raise awareness of the realities of HIV and remember those lost.
Donate to us to help us make HIV stigma a thing of the past.