Did you know that there are 33 million people living with HIV worldwide and that 80,000 of those are in the UK? Each year 7,000 new diagnoses in the UK alone.
Pretty shocking numbers, we’re sure you will agree.
This coming Monday is World Aids Day and the national theme for awareness raising this year is ‘Respect and Protect’.
Quite often the AIDS awareness campaign focus their attention on the younger population, but this year the focus on the Island will be to highlight the particular risks for older people.
“Older people, gay or straight, are a high-risk group although they may not realise it, ” said Jim Edwards, sexual health outreach worker for the gay community. “They become vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections often as a result of a relationship breakdown, bereavement or divorce. They may suddenly find themselves embarking on new relationships whilst in a state of emotional upheaval and with no recent experience of condom-use or current knowledge around HIV and STIs. We find that they are vulnerable, out of practice, and often too embarrassed to seek help with these issues.”
You may have noticed the ads running on Isle of Wight Radio this week, and in an attempt to reach the more mature audience, Jim Edwards, Kate Suitor and Linda Waterhouse will be at The IW College on 1st December in the Foyer from 11-2pm raising awareness, giving out red ribbons, condoms and leaflets to members of staff and students.
It’s hoped that the pupils at the college will take the message home with them and perhaps educate their parents on the risks of unprotected sex which may occur after a family breakup.
Sarah Stringer, NHS Sexual Health Promotion Co-ordinator comments
“HIV is a virus which attacks and damages the immune system over a period of time. People with the virus may become susceptible to illnesses that a healthy immune system would be able to fight off. With approximately 7,000 people newly diagnosed in the UK last year, it is vital that everyone, young and old, understands what Aids is and the action they need to take to stop the spread. ”
“Our aim this year is to increase awareness of HIV and STIs amongst older people and encourage those who feel they have been at risk to get screened or tested. Testing for HIV is a simple blood test, and is highly confidential. You no longer need to tell insurance companies if you have had an HIV test. In the UK today 25,000 people don’t know that they’re carrying the HIV virus. ”
For more information on sexual health visit the Wishnet Web site or World Aids Day official
