World AIDS Day: 'People think it's just gay men'
Swindon and Wiltshire Pride has launched a fundraising campaign, to mark World AIDS Day 2020
Last updated 1st Dec 2020
32 years ago, the first ever global 'Health Day' took place.
World AIDS Day was founded in 1988, commemorating people who lost their lives after living with the illness.
'Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome' - or AIDS - refers to potentially life-threatening infections attacking the immune system, after being damaged by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
AIDS cannot be transmitted through human contact, but - as a virus - HIV can.
There is currently no cure. However, early diagnosis and treatment can ensure those living with HIV have a near-normal life expectancy.
According to 'HIV gov' in the US, the number of AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 60% worldwide since peaking in 2004.
The portal says that figure hit 690,000 last year.
'Education - that's what we need'
To mark World AIDS Day, Greatest Hits Radio has spoken to Swindon and Wiltshire Pride's Engagement Manager...
Phoenix Stewart said: "Awareness has improved slightly, but I think people think it (AIDS) only affects a certain group. People think it's just gay men.
"We have to break that down and say 'it's not, it can affect anyone'.
"Medical improvements have been made ... we've got to celebrate that.
"There's still that ignorance around HIV and AIDS and actually it goes back to education - that's what we need".
Swindon and Wiltshire Pride is selling red ribbons throughout December at its pop-up shops, as part of the charity's World AIDS Day celebrations.
The National Aids Trust, which is aiming to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, will receive the proceeds: