World Aids Day - 35 years on
December 1st 2023 marks 35 years since the global movement World AIDS Day first united communities in the fight against HIV and AIDS, a disease which has killed over 35 million people over the last 4 decades. The significant loss of life that HIV/AIDS has caused, exacerbated by stigma and misinformation, makes it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Why is World AIDS Day So Significant?
The AIDS crisis began shortly after the first case was recorded in 1981, and the impact it had on LGBTQ+ communities was devastating. Due to stigma and prejudice, harmful rhetoric and misinformation was commonplace when discussing AIDS and its causes/effects in the media. This directly affected the treatment of the groups most affected by the disease, as people used it to justify their mistreatment of gay men and other marginalised communities. The stigma surrounding the disease also delayed meaningful development and investment in treatment for the disease, and many lost their lives because of this.
This is why remembering all those who lost their lives, celebrating the work that has been done by the National AIDS Trust, and championing those who work so hard to continue de-stigmatising AIDS is vitally important. The UK government aims to end HIV transmissions by 2030, but this is only possible if people continue to commit to ending stigma and injustice by fighting for political leadership and investment in AIDS/HIV treatment.
What is AIDS/HIV?
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are infections and immune system complications caused by the HIV virus - a virus which attacks the immune system over time, making the carrier more susceptible to infections and illness. HIV is a transmittable virus that can be found in bodily fluids including blood, semen, and breast milk, meaning HIV is most likely transmitted through unprotected sex and sharing needles, but can also be transmitted from mother to child during birth and whilst breastfeeding.
Symptoms for HIV include prolonged flu-like symptoms, lasting anywhere from 2-6 weeks on average. The infected patient may then become asymptomatic (without symptoms) following this, damaging the immune system over many years. This is what makes HIV/AIDS so evasive and hard to target, as people are often unaware that they are carrying and transmitting this virus.
HIV currently does not have a cure but can be effectively managed with drug treatments that enable most with the virus to continue living a long and healthy life. This is why STI and HIV testing is so important, especially for individuals who are sexually active or who may be at higher risk of developing infection.
How Can Students Prioritise Their Sexual Health?
Ensuring that you are registered with a GP at your university address is vital when it comes to prioritising your health, and STI testing is available for free for those registered at any practice; the most local to the university being Brownlow Health and St James’ to name a few. The NHS website also has a search feature if you wish to find your local practice.
There are also dedicated sexual health clinics and services in Liverpool, including Axcess, where you can order postal HIV testing kits or access other testing and support services. You can also book an appointment with us at LJMU student advice and wellbeing services for further support, read our article for more local resources and sexual health clinics, or visit the NHS website for more information.
✍ Izzy Hoyle, JMSU Content Creator
