{"id":5398,"date":"2019-11-29T14:08:28","date_gmt":"2019-11-29T14:08:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5398"},"modified":"2021-05-18T10:42:41","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T10:42:41","slug":"world-aids-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/world-aids-day\/","title":{"rendered":"World AIDS Day 2019: ‘Communities make the difference’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since 1988, World AIDS Day takes\nplace on the 1st<\/sup> December every year to support those who are living\nwith HIV, and to remember those who have died from HIV\/AIDS. <\/strong>[1]<\/a> Each year, a theme is set for World AIDS Day. This year the theme is\n\u2018Communities make the difference\u2019 \u2013 emphasising the essential role that\ncommunities play in the AIDS response at local, national and international\nlevels.<\/strong> [2<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

World AIDS Day is important to remind people that HIV still exists, and\nwe must continue to increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education\nwhilst showing solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV worldwide.\n[1]<\/a> You\ncan show your support by wearing an HIV awareness red ribbon, attending one of\nthe many events that are being held in honour of World AIDS Day, or by getting\ntested for HIV today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Global progress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since the 1980s, when little was known about HIV and AIDS, significant progress\nhas been made in our understanding of HIV. This includes how to prevent HIV and\nhow to treat HIV. [3]<\/a> The most recent figures indicate that 4 in\n5 people with HIV get tested and 2 in 3 receive treatment, with the presence of\ncommunities playing a major role in this success. [5]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of 2018, there are an estimated 37.9 million people living with HIV globally. Of these people, 79% received testing to know their status, 62% received treatment, and 53% reached an undetectable viral load, meaning that the virus cannot be spread to the others. [4]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"90
Source: UNAIDS<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In order to reach the 90-90-90 targets and end the HIV epidemic,\neveryone living with HIV must have access to the appropriate treatment. [6]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The importance of communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Key communities are often formed around those living with HIV or\naffected by the epidemic. These populations include community health workers\nand members of HIV networks. The presence of these communities has helped to\nmake positive progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target. [4]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communities are the most effective way to reach key populations living\nwith HIV. High-risk communities, including sex workers, gay men and those who\ninject drugs, encourage themselves and the wider community to protect against\nHIV or learn how to stay healthy whilst living with HIV. In hostile\nenvironments, community organisations are often the primary support network. [7]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"communities\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Community-led organisations helped over 23 million people access HIV\ntreatment in 2018. [7]<\/a> We\nmust continue to reduce the number of people affected by HIV, together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A statement from Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\nbelieve in communities. Communities make change happen. Communities are the\nbest hope for ending AIDS because communities have fought against HIV right\nfrom the beginning! As the epidemic raged through our countries, cities,\nvillages, women held communities together and bore the higher burden of care\nfor their families. For far too long we have taken their volunteerism for\ngranted. In the face of adversity, communities of gay men, sex workers and\npeople who use drugs have organized themselves to claim their right to health\nas equal citizens. So, we know that communities have proved their worth. There\nis no debate there.\u201d [8]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anonymous HIV testing near me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each year, over 4,300 people are diagnosed with HIV in the UK. [1]<\/a> HIV\ntesting is important. Those who are infected with the virus can lead a healthy\nand productive life with the right treatment. Yet, many things prevent people\nfrom getting regular tests for HIV, including stigma and discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better2Know\u2019s private STI and HIV testing services are completely\nconfidential and anonymous. You do not have to give us your real name if this\nmakes you more comfortable with getting tested for HIV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better2Know\u2019s private sexual health clinics provide confidential HIV\ntesting<\/a> across the UK. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n