World AIDS Day1 December 2022

World AIDS Day Thursday 1 December

World AIDS Day happens annually on 1 December. This year the World Health Organisation is asking us to come together under the theme of “Equalize”.

WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS; and equalize access to essential HIV services particularly for children and key populations and their partners – men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and people in prisons.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. ‘Immunodeficiency’ refers to the weakening of the immune system by the virus. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a collection of illnesses (‘syndrome’) caused by a virus people pick up (‘acquire’) that makes their immune system weak (‘immune deficiency’). You can’t get an AIDS diagnosis unless you’re already HIV positive….Now, thanks to modern antiretroviral treatment, very few people in the UK develop serious HIV-related illnesses. The term AIDS isn’t used much by UK doctors. Instead they talk about late-stage or advanced HIV.

In the UK it is 40 years since the first case of HIV/AIDS in the UK and the death of Terry Higgins. The Terrence Higgins Trust is one of the main UK charities providing support and guidance around HIV. It clearly explains everything you might want to know from being tested, to being diagnosed, to living with HIV and telling other people. Their website is an invaluable source of information and resources. It will also tell you where you can get a test and you can also order one on line from them. The Terrence Higgins Trust Website also gives guidance and information about living with HIV and COVID. 

AIDS/HIV has been a huge taboo. People living with this have been discriminated against, experience unacceptable prejudice and intimidation. If you or someone you care about are struggling with a diagnosis or simply want to talk through what you are going through, then Paul Carter may be able to help you. There are many myths about AIDS/HIV and as a counsellor Paul is a specialist in this area and can help you, your loved ones, family and friends to work through the difficulties you endure.

If you would like to speak with a professional about anything that is concerning you, call Paul Carter. Paul is a counsellor and psychotherapist with many years of experience, you can learn more about Paul here on the About Paul Page. If you would like to make an appointment with him please use the Contact Page or call on 07843 813 537. Paul works in Birmingham and Kingswinford, although currently due to COVID is working exclusively online and on the telephone. For more information about how counselling works and current fees please take a look at the FAQs page.

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