News / LGBTQ+
A citywide campaign is raising awareness of HIV-related stigma
This World AIDS Day, December 1, local HIV organisation Brigstowe is running a citywide campaign to raise awareness of HIV-related stigma, with six people of Bristol sharing their experiences.
Significant advancements have been made in medical care for HIV, but people’s knowledge and perceptions remain outdated.
A collection of stories from different people all sharing a different perspective to their experience with the virus
In a recent survey by National AIDS Trust, only 16 per cent of people understood Undetectable=Untransmittable – that people living with HIV on medication cannot pass on the virus.
is needed now More than ever
One in three people living with HIV have experienced HIV-related stigma and/or discrimination and people living with HIV are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to the general public.
During November 18 to December 1, six people from Bristol are calling on the city to join them in saying NO to HIV-related stigma.
Brigstowe’s citywide billboard campaign highlights these powerful stories and shows that people living with HIV in 2024 can live long, healthy and normal lives.
To coincide with the campaign, all digital displays at bus stops in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will be promoting the Undetectable=Untransmittable message.
The posters include people of all genders and backgrounds
Aled Osborne, community engagement manager at Brigstowe, said: “People living with HIV on treatment cannot pass on the virus.
“Not only is this important for public health in terms of significantly reducing onward transmission, but it means so much for the community of people living with HIV and has changed their lives.
“It’s therefore disappointing and worrying that, in 2024, Brigstowe is still receiving many reports of HIV-related stigma experienced by people living with HIV. This shows that it’s more important than ever to ensure all people living with HIV can not only live but thrive in all areas of society.”
All photos: Brigstowe
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