Nations around the globe joined together today for world AIDs day today, challenging the misconceptions, myths and stereotypes that surround the disease.
The city of Lincoln are playing it part in the event by raising awareness about the disease. Almost 35 million people are living a normal life with HIV, however, it is the second highest infection led cause of death behind tuberculosis.
Left untreated, HIV can within two to 15 years advance to AIDS, which can make people vulnerable to fatal diseases.
There is currently no cure for HIV, a person who has the infection can receive a tablet based treatment, which will
allow them to have a completely normal day-to-day life, with AIDs
little risk of transmission.
People under the age of 25 have been heavily affected by HIV globally over the last thirty years. In South Africa HIV infects as many as 800 15-19 year old girls every week. Worldwide, more than 3.2 million children under age 15 are living with HIV.
Lincoln has been raising money for HIV and AIDs charities such as Positive Health and the Terrence Higgins trust and promoting safe sex.
Lizzie Jordan, who is living with HIV, said: “It’s a manageable, long-term health condition, it’s not a death sentence anymore.
“It’s three letters, not a sentence” said Lizzie.
Lizzie’s diagnosis came after the loss of her partner Benji to a AIDs defining infection. She says that people need to “get on with life because they really can”.
An important part of HIV and AIDs day is the image of the disease. Lizzie voiced her opinions about how people view the condition as a death sentence and a painful experience and said: “I’m not suffering.”
Becky Lancashire has been following the story.
