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Showing posts with label World AIDS Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World AIDS Day. Show all posts

Monday, December 1, 2014

World AIDS Day & The Red Ribbon

The Red Ribbon

30 years after the first cases of HIV – the red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. The red ribbon was the first ever ribbon symbol, inspiring later versions such as the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness.

Where did the idea come from?

In 1991 – a decade after the emergence of HIV – a group of 12 artists gathered to discuss a new project for Visual Aids; a New York arts organisation that raises awareness of HIV. They were photographers, painters, film makers and costume designers, and they sat around in the shared gallery space in New York's East Village.
After a short brainstorm they had come up with a simple idea that later became one of the most recognised symbols of the decade - the red ribbon, worn to signify awareness and support for people living with HIV.

Why did we need a symbol?

When the artists sat down to work on this project, their aim was to get people talking about HIV. This was during a time where HIV was highly stigmatised and people living with HIV were suffering behind closed doors, some too scared to even tell their loved ones they were living with the virus. The artists wanted to create a visual expression of compassion for people living with, and affected by, HIV.
The artists were inspired by the yellow ribbons tied on trees to denote support for the US military fighting in the Gulf War. Pink and the rainbow colours were rejected because they were too closely associated with the gay community, and they wanted to convey that HIV went beyond the gay community and was relevant to everyone.
Red was chosen as it is bold and visible – symbolising passion, a heart and love. The shape was chosen simply because it was easy to make and replicate – anyone can make one by just cutting out a piece of ribbon, looping it around your finger and pinning it on.

How did the red ribbon become so well known?

Red Ribbons
In the early days, the artists made the ribbons themselves and distributing them around the New York art scene and dropped them off at theatres. Initially there was a text that went with it, to explain why they were being worn, but eventually this was dropped as its symbolism no longer needed an explanation.
Within weeks of the red ribbon idea being born, world-famous actors starting wearing the red ribbon to high-profile award ceremonies such as the Oscars and talking about why it was important. The media also cottoned on, and within a short space of time the red ribbon symbol became universally recognised.
At the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert held at London's Wembley Stadium on Easter Sunday 1992, more than 100,000 red ribbons were distributed among the audience, with performers such as George Michael wearing one. The Red Ribbon continues to be a powerful force in the efforts to increase public awareness of HIV.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

AIDS !!! HIV Facts and statistics

HIV facts

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system — the body's defence against diseases.
HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

International statistics

UK Map
  • The number of new HIV infections has declined globally by 21% since the estimated peak of the epidemic in 1997
  • 2.3 million people were newly infected with HIV worldwide in 2012
  • In some parts of the world (particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa) between 15-28% of the population are living with HIV

People living with HIV globally

  • 35.3 million people living with HIV worldwide
  • 47% of people living with HIV worldwide are women
  • 1.6 million AIDS-related deaths

New HIV cases around the globe in 2012

  • 2.3 million people diagnosed with HIV
  • 6,300 new HIV infections a day
  • 260 000 new HIV infections among children 
  • 95% are in low- and middle-income countries

People who are on effective HIV treatment, with an undetectable viral load for least six months can not pass the virus on. NAT is lobbying the NHS to allow people to start treatment early if they want to, in order to prevent transmission.

It is a common myth that gay men can't donate blood. Actually NAT were instrumental in securing and participating in the review which led to an overturn of the lifetime ban on gay men donating blood.
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