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ABOUT WORLD AIDS DAY
WHAT IS WORLD AIDS DAY?
World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st December each year. this years theme is ‘Know Your Status’.
It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.
WHY IS WORLD AIDS DAY IMPORTANT?
Over 8,000 people are living with HIV in the Ireland. Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. HIV Ireland says that Ireland is facing the prospect of new HIV diagnoses topping 500 for the second time in three years.
Provisional figures for 2018 indicate that there have been 459 new HIV diagnoses in Ireland, 26 ahead of this time last year, which equates to over ten new infections per week.
World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
For more information contact HIV ireland, your local STI Clinic or your Doctor
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