A memorial event will also be held in West Park to honour those who have died from AIDS, and to highlight the work that is being done to support people who are living with HIV.
World AIDS Day, held annually on 1 December, brings together people to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, and to make a pledge to end new cases of HIV by 2030.
HIV – or human immunodeficiency virus – attacks the immune system and reduces the body’s ability to respond to infections. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection which anyone can get, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Left untreated, it progresses to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) which weakens the immune system to the point where it can no longer fight off life threatening infections.
To mark World AIDS Day, a special memorial will be held in West Park on Monday lunchtime, during which the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood and Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, will lay wreaths to remember everyone who has been lost to AIDS. All are welcome – please meet at the bandstand at 11.45am.
Councillor Ahmed said: “World AIDS Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, remember those who have lost their lives, and celebrate progress such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
“Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have HIV because not everyone with HIV has symptoms. Some people may have a flu like illness 2 to 6 weeks after infection and then no further symptoms for several years.
“But if you are living with HIV, starting treatment early means you can live a full, healthy and productive life. It’s therefore vital that you get tested as soon as possible if you think you might be at risk of HIV because, the earlier HIV is detected, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.”
People who feel they are at risk of HIV should call Embrace Wolverhampton Sexual Health Service in confidence on 01902 444444 for help and support or visit Embrace.
Free and confidential testing is available from Embrace clinics, GP surgeries, pharmacies, or online for self testing at home. Testing is now also offered in the Accident and Emergency department at New Cross Hospital, as well as in the community. Embrace also provides PrEP, a highly effective medication that prevents HIV, as well as PEP, which can be used after potential exposure to HIV.
Meanwhile, the council’s Public Health team recently unveiled a Sexual and Reproductive Health toolkit, giving professionals the knowledge and resources they need to support the wellbeing of residents.
Councillor Ahmed added: “Wolverhampton continues to be above the national average for HIV testing rates – some 99% of people diagnosed with HIV in Wolverhampton are on treatment, and 96% have achieved viral suppression, meaning they cannot pass the virus on. This is a testament to the incredible work of our health services and community partners, who we should also thank this World AIDS Day.
“But we mustn’t be complacent and that’s why we’re continuing to encourage people to test – and to use condoms to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.”
