Call to support people living with HIV on World AIDS Day
Events are taking place across the country, to support people living with HIV
Last updated 1st Dec 2024
Organisers of a World AIDS Day vigil have told MFR, tackling stigma is “key” to improving the mental health of people living with the virus.
Events are taking place in support of more than 38 million people living with the virus around the world.
The British HIV Association is, for the first time, supporting an annual vigil in Manchester, organised by George House Trust.
The “emotional” gathering in Sackville Gardens has been going on since the early days of the AIDS epidemic, according to Paul Fairweather, positive speaker development manager at George House Trust.
“For many of us, we remember people – friends, lovers, partners – who’ve died of AIDS. We support each other as people living with HIV, and it’s an opportunity for the wider community to show their solidarity and support for everyone living with HIV.”
Paul was one of six gay men who set up the charity, then the Manchester AIDS-line, in 1985, and added that there has been “massive progress” since then.
“I remember the earliest days of the epidemic. There was a huge amount of fear and ignorance and paranoia.
“I now take one tablet a day, I see my consultant every six months, my health is completely fine.
“There are still issues with mental health. I know many people living with HIV whose physical health is fine but their mental health is not, and that’s the key importance of challenging HIV stigma and self-stigma.”
Tackling stigma and spreading the ‘U=U’ message
Combatting that stigma is a “passionate mission” for George House Trust, according to Kath Millard, director of operations and delivery.
She said the charity aims to “ensure that people living with HIV live lives where HIV holds nobody back,” and that the mission is aided by partnering with the British HIV Association and Manchester City Council for the vigil.
“We are very proud to be able to stand here with a community that is largely changed because of the advances in medication.”
Medication means that people living with HIV on effective medication cannot pass the virus on to anyone else, a message known as ‘U=U’ (undetectable = untransmittable).
Kath encouraged people to share that message with someone else, and to wear a red ribbon as a sign of solidarity and support.
“And participate,” she added: “If you can’t make a local HIV event, you can watch it online.”