| December is no less a significant month in the calender especially for the progressive effort of the HIV Awareness Campaign. December the 1st marked the global World Aids Day, in an introspective look into this condition I came to this alarming realization that I shared in my speech. There are over 110, 000 people living with HIV in the UK, approximately 26,000 of those have not been diagnosed. Advancement in treatment and the availability in treatment and care has led to a significant increase in life expectancy, however critically people diagnosed at a late stage have a much higher increased risk of death within 1 year of a diagnosis. A further implication of a late diagnosis on an entire society is whereby a person that has remained unaware of their HIV status continues to increase the risk of onward transmission. Looking at particular ethnic groups the proportion of a late diagnosis is particularly higher among the African and Caribbean communities. With a call to action, as HIV remains a highly stigmatized condition and in particular the grave implications of the stigma of HIV in society , there is an undeniable need for an increase in public knowledge and understanding of HIV, awareness of HIV, testing and preventative measures. I would like to use this platform to facilitate a positive change in public attitudes towards HIV, to actively engage the youth and the community in lending a hand in the continued effort to help eradicate this stigma that is detrimental to our society, community and the world at large. Advocating these changes will undoubtedly lead to lower levels of HIV transmission and a more supportive society for those living with HIV. View my speech https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=652678821507615&pnref=story Highlights from the Positive Runway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ07Y9yJYcA&feature=youtu.be Feature article http://www.demotix.com/news/6427129/african-queens-supporting-london-world-aids-day-global-catwalk#media-6427122 Justina Mutale interview and feature of the Postive Runway on Arise TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioX2nJVNkOI&feature=youtu.be&t=6m27s   |  I joined Positive Runway models and beauty queens in a Catwalk aimed at 'Stop the Spread' Campaign. Many living with HIV are victims of stigmatization and rejection within society and yet people living with the condition in the developed countries live a normal healthy life. Meeting Mr Darren Ravenor CEO of the P.E.A.C.E , diagnosed with HIV over seventeen years ago, is an exceptional and inspirational man who didn't allow his circumstances to define or limit him. As he spoke of his family and children, the challenges coupled with rejection he has encountered has made him ever more determined to champion this campaign and to use every resource possible to diminish the stigma surrounding HIV. I do not think there was any individual present who was not touched by his tremendous story that he has been courageous enough to share with the world. I cannot begin to comprehend the severity of the stigma he has faced in life neither why anyone should undergo the brutalities of any societal stigma. This is an exemplary case that is a heart felt plea to bring to an end the discrimination, degradation and rejection of those living with HIV. So with this I urge everyone to join this campaign and together we can and will eradicate the stigma towards HIV and move towards a congruous society of cohesion, understanding and unity.   |
Yours Truly
Laviniah
Laviniah
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