People around the world come together on 1 December each year to commemorate World AIDS Day; showing solidarity with people living with HIV and remembering lives lost to HIV related illness.
Knowsley Council will be lighting the Greystone footbridge over the M62 red, symbolising the iconic red ribbon, an enduring symbol of support for anyone who has been affected by HIV and AIDS.
There are over 105,000 people living with HIV in the UK and 9,750 of those live in the North West. Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have HIV and is quick, free and easy to do. If you are living with HIV, starting treatment early means you can live a full, healthy and productive life.
Knowsley Sexual Health Service, delivered by Knowsley Axess, provides sexual health information, advice and services for adults and young people. This includes rapid HIV testing and access to PrEP, which is a form of medicine that can help to prevent HIV.
Meanwhile, local charity Sahir House, supports people in Knowsley living with HIV and offers a wide range of non-clinical support to people living with or affected by HIV depending on their needs.
Sahir House will have pop-up HIV awareness and information stalls across the region for World Aids Day, including in Knowsley at:
- One Knowsley, Court Hey Park Courtyard, from 10m to 1pm on Thursday 28 November
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“By lighting the Greystone footbridge red we are showing solidarity with those living with HIV and remembering those loved and lost to HIV, also sending out the message that we can challenge and remove the stigma that still surrounds HIV.
“With proper medical care, HIV can be managed to enable people to live a long and healthy life. Although there is still no cure for the virus, there are simple steps we can take to protect ourselves, our sexual partners, and our loved ones from HIV infection and transmission. And we can all help end HIV stigma through our words and actions.”
Merseyside Vigil, all welcome
Sahir will be hosting its annual World AIDS Day Vigil at Liverpool Parish Church (Our Lady and Saint Nicholas), Chapel Street, from 1pm to 2pm on 1 December. The vigil is open to everyone and there is no need to book.
For Information on HIV and AIDS, including prevention and treatment, visit
Local sexual health information and advice is available at Knowsley Sexual Health Service.