The World AIDS Day Run Encourages People to Run in Solidarity to Battle HIV Stigma
On November 30th, 2019 the Sexual Health Centre Cork is leading a World AIDS Day Campaign in conjunction with parkrun, sexualwellbeing.ie, Healthy Ireland and the Health Service Executive to promote HIV testing services in Ireland. The event focuses on knowing your HIV status with the tagline “Everyone has a HIV status. What’s yours?”.
The non-discriminatory nature of HIV and the importance of universal HIV testing are crucial in combatting the increasing number of HIV diagnoses. The campaign aims to bring public awareness to the topic and realities of living with HIV, highlight existing support and testing services and promote positive physical and mental health.
There are over 6,000 people living with HIV in Ireland. Every week, 10 cases of HIV are diagnosed, with almost half of these being under the age of 35. However, according to a recent study, misinformation within the Irish population in regards to HIV still exists. Many people still believe that HIV can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing, as well as kissing. This lack of knowledge reinforces existing stigma and has a strong negative impact on people living with HIV and their families. The World AIDS Day free 5K run aims to highlight the U=U message, address existing misconceptions, normalise the process of HIV testing and reduce associated stigma.
Ciarán Lynch, chairperson of the Sexual Health Centre outlines how the most recent research tells us that “people living with HIV, who take treatment daily as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load have no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to a HIV-negative partner. It is important to know your status to protect your health and wellbeing."
The World AIDS Day run will take place in collaboration with parkrun at 9.30 a.m. on November 30th 2019 at three locations. In Cork, it will be held in the Regional Park in Ballincollig and Glen River Park. In Kerry, Tralee Town Park will host the event. The run is open to everyone and seeks the input of local communities, groups and individuals to attend, show their support by sharing a message via social media or by wearing a red ribbon on the days leading on to the event.
“Each of us has a HIV status. This World AIDS Day we’re encouraging everyone to check or to update their status. It’s never been easier to get tested - all it takes is a small finger prick and one minute later you’ll have your result. There are testing opportunities available across the country,” said Dr. Martin Davoren, Executive Director of the Sexual Health Centre based in Cork.
Further information on testing venues and times are available via the following links:
Sexual Health Centre: https://www.sexualhealthcentre.com/world-aids-day-park-run-2019
Know Now: http://www.knownow.ie/
www.sexualwellbeing.ie
