Redbridge marks World AIDS Day
Published: 1 December 2022
Redbridge Council has marked World AIDS Day (Thursday 1 December) to show support for the millions of people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Redbridge is also using World AIDS Day to highlight the various local services available where HIV testing is freely available.
Ahead of World AIDS Day, the Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, joined Cllr Mark Santos, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, and representatives from HIV treatment and advocacy charity Positive East to raise the Red Ribbon Flag outside Redbridge Town Hall in Ilford.
More than 105,000 people are living with HIV in the UK. Yet recent research found that 63% of the public does not remember seeing or hearing about HIV in the past six months. In 2021, Redbridge had 491 residents diagnosed with HIV, with 17 being diagnosed late.
There are treatments such as PrEP and PEP which can prevent transmission. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a medicine to prevent HIV and is highly effective for preventing HIV when prescribed. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%. PrEP can be accessed through GUM clinics, while people can obtain PEP from their Sexual Health Clinic.
Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: "We've come a long way in the treatment of HIV. Today, 99% of people in the UK living with HIV receive effective treatment, and 97% of people cannot pass the virus on.
"Early diagnosis is essential for keeping the infection under control and reducing the chance of illness. That is why making sure people know how to access testing and treatment is so important."
Cllr Mark Santos, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "World AIDS Day is an excellent opportunity to get tested, know your HIV status and access effective treatments that mean you can live a normal life span. We must also continue to help fight the stigma attached to people living with HIV.”
Are you ready to 'Rock' the ribbon?
Positive East will hold free, fast and confidential HIV and STI testing through the HIV testing bus on Ilford high street outside the METRO bank from 11am to 3pm tomorrow, Friday 2 December.
Please visit Positive East for further information.
Are you Ready to Get Tested?
In Redbridge, we have a range of confidential and free HIV Testing services for our residents. See the links below for our local services:
For further advice or support around HIV, visit Positive East or the Redbridge MyLife website
