Light Up Scotland for World AIDS Day 2012
Saturday 1st December is the 24th annual World AIDS Day. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in support of people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died.
Buildings and landmarks are being lit up in red on the 1st December across Scotland as part of the ‘Seeing Red’ campaign led by HIV Scotland.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the body’s immune system, attacking the body’s defences against disease making it less able to fight infections and more vulnerable to illnesses. Treatments are available and effective, enabling people to live long and healthy lives. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) seriously harming the body’s immune system, resulting in illness and disease.
HIV and AIDS have not gone away. Currently there are 4201 people diagnosed with HIV in Scotland with a further 1400 believed to be undiagnosed, many of whom fear stigma and discrimination because of their diagnosis.
It’s time to stop HIV‐related stigma.
HIV Scotland supports the United Nations’ vision of a world with “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS‐related deaths”
As a National policy charity, HIV Scotland speaks out for people living with HIV. HIV Scotland provides knowledge and expertise to help inform and deliver strong policies and effective strategies.
George Valiotis, Chief Executive of HIV Scotland said, “The HIV epidemic warrants continued vigilance both for its implications in Scotland and Worldwide. Everyone can do something, because it touches everyone. Raise your knowledge, reduce stigma, show support, take care.”
‘Seeing Red’ is supported by the Scottish Government who are participating in the campaign.
Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health said “Lighting up Scottish Government buildings in red is a great way for us to show our support for World AIDS Day and I am delighted to see HIV Scotland raising awareness of HIV and AIDS in this way.
“HIV remains an important issue both in Scotland and across the world. This is why the Scottish Government continues to invest in the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework, which we launched in 2011, and we continue to work closely with NHS Boards, Local Authorities and the voluntary sector to tackle HIV transmission, to improve treatment and care and to reduce HIV‐related stigma and discrimination.”
HIV Scotland invites everyone to take part in this year’s World AIDS Day, by attending one of the various events across Scotland.
To find out more about the World AIDS Day events or for a full list of buildings participating in the ‘Seeing Red’ campaign visit www.hivscotland.com
For more information please contact:
Stuart Campbell
stuart@hivscotland.com
0131 558 3713
www.hivscotland.com
