Lancashire County Council supports World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

A key theme of this year's day is U Equals U, which means undetectable equals untransmittable. U Equals U means that people with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load — the amount of HIV in the blood — by taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) daily as prescribed cannot sexually transmit the virus to others.

Lancashire County Council is supporting the day by lighting up County Hall in red in the evening.

Renaissance UK, which the council commissions to deliver support to anyone living with and/or affected by HIV, awareness and sexual health outreach services, is also hosting several awareness events, including a World AIDS Day Charity Night at The Market Tavern in Preston between 7pm and 1.30am today (Wednesday 30 November).

County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "HIV and AIDS pose a real threat and it's vital that we support World AIDS Day.

"Preventing transmission is crucial and it's important that people practice safer sex, use condoms and preventative medicines such as PrEP {Pre-Exposure Prophylactic},  a medication that when taken prior to exposure, can prevent someone contracting HIV. PrEP is available free from NHS Sexual Health Services and is an important tool in preventing the spread of HIV.

"Testing is a quick and easy way of protecting your health and that of others. If you would like a free and confidential test for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, visit the NHS Lancashire Sexual Health webpage."

The latest figures show that there were 659 people diagnosed as having HIV across the area covered by Lancashire County Council in 2021.

County Councillor Scott Smith, champion for young people, added: "Encouraging young people to get tested and to take steps to prevent the spread of HIV is crucial.

"The #UEqualsU hashtag is a key part of the campaign, as it is crucial to reducing stigma for people living with HIV.

"We're also encouraging people to share social media messages using the hashtag #KnowYourStatus.

"We commission a Young People's Sexual Health service and people can access this for support and information at the Blackpool and Lancashire Sexual Health Service web page."

For more information about HIV support across Lancashire, visit the Renaissance Lancashire Website.

If you would like a free and confidential HIV testing kit sent to your home, visit www.lancashiresexualhealth.nhs.uk/testing-options/

Find out more about PrEP at www.BePrEPed.co.uk