It’s that time of year. World AIDS Day is fast approaching. It is a time when millions of people around the world remember those who are no longer with us because of HIV and AIDS and celebrate the lives of those who are still with us because of advances in science.

Between 2004-2006, 7,000 gay and bisexual men were diagnosed with HIV - not including those who are undiagnosed.

Men who have sex with men, however they define, continue to be the largest group to have acquired HIV in the UK.

Richard Day of the OUR Project states that ‘Despite more men living with HIV than ever before, data suggests that fewer gay men know someone who has HIV. This indicates that men are choosing not to tell other people about their diagnosis. I believe that fear of discrimination and prejudice is a very effective silencer.’

There will be many professionals and volunteers working hard to raise awareness about HIV, dispel myths and educate people so that they can challenge stigma, prejudice and discrimination in relation to HIV. Some people will take the opportunity to raise badly-needed funds for local HIV projects.

The official theme for World AIDS Day this year is ‘Understanding Through Communication’.

Here are two ways that you can support people living with HIV: don’t expect a partner with HIV to take responsibility for your sexual health. Sexual health is a shared responsibility; and if you are an employer, check whether you can see anything within your application process that might reduce the likelihood of someone living with HIV applying for jobs.

‘Here in Bradford,’ continues Day, ‘the OUR Project, a social support project for people living with HIV, will be working collaboratively with Bradford Health Promotion NHS, Bradford Oxfam and the Sun Hotel to achieve all of the above.

‘We intend to deliver two events that will raise awareness and funds in the workplace and where people meet to socialise. The first event will be a “Wear Red to Work Day”. This is where we encourage local businesses and employers to ask staff to wear an item of red clothing to work on the 30th of November and to donate £1 to the OUR welfare fund.’

Bradford Oxfam will be supporting this event by stocking up on items of red clothing for those who do not have something tucked away in their wardrobe. They will also act as a collection point for any donations made.

Any money raised will go directly to the OUR welfare fund which offers financial support in times of crisis to those who are living with HIV and facing destitution or severe financial hardship in the Bradford Metropolitan District.

The second red-themed event will be held at the Sun Hotel, which we hope will be a fun weekend on the 1st and 2nd of December.

There will be lots of opportunities for people to get involved, such as joining in on the ‘Dress Yourself in Red’ night with the chance of winning the prize for the most imaginative outfit or entering the prize winning karaoke competition. There will also be a lucky dip with fabulous prizes and an appearance from a popular local drag act.

Yorkshire MESMAC staff will be at the event if you require information about the services we offer or issues in relation to sexual health or HIV.

There will also be plenty of red ribbons available for those who wish to wear them.

PEP talk

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is re-launching its PEP campaign today, this time urging gay men to ‘Act Fast’ with PEP (post exposure prophylaxsis). PEP is a month-long course of HIV treatment that may prevent HIV infection after the virus has entered the body. The faster it’s taken after someone has put themselves at risk, the more likely it will work - although the course of 12 pills a day for 28 days isn’t an ‘easy option’.

The new campaign aims to reach more gay men with the facts.

Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion at THT said ‘It’s essential we continue to raise awareness of PEP and the circumstances when it’s likely to be prescribed. It’s important men act fast if they’ve put themselves at risk. 72 hours is the outer limit but the sooner you can take it, the better.’ Copies of THT’s PEP information booklet are available from THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200 and there’s more info at www.tht.org.uk/pep or www.chapsonline.org.uk/pep