23 November 2008

Helping people understand that HIV is still a major health issue is the focus of activities in the Hunter region this year to mark the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day.

December 1 is World AIDS Day and the official theme in NSW this year is ‘HIV is still here’. ACON (AIDS Council of NSW) Hunter Manager Shannon Wright says the occasion provides an important opportunity to get people thinking about HIV/AIDS. “This year is the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day,” se says. “Over the last two decades, life-saving medical advances have eased the horror of the early years of the epidemic. However, over 10,000 people in NSW are living with the condition with an average of one new infection being diagnosed in NSW every day.

“In the Hunter region, at any one time we have up to 500 people living with HIV. And despite the improved treatments, many of these people need support. The reality is that HIV/AIDS remains a major health issue in NSW, as it does throughout Australia and all over the world. 21 years on, helping to prevent new HIV infections remains the most important work that we do here at ACON. But it remains the work of everyone else in our community as well because working together, both locally and globally, is the only way we can stop the spread of HIV, reduce its impact and overcome HIV discrimination,” he says.

Ms Wright says 21 years ago, condoms and lube were the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission. “Today, condoms and lube are still the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission. So on World AIDS Day this year, we’re asking people to protect themselves and their partners by using condoms when having sex. We’re also asking people to never share injecting equipment, to get tested regularly for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and to be informed and talk about HIV/AIDS.”

ACON’s Hunter office is supporting the following World AIDS Day events:

Red Ribbon Appeal       
Tue 1 Dec, selected locations + online
Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s office at 129 Maitland Rd Islington and at the Gateway Hotel in Islington in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. Then on Mon 1 Dec, Red Ribbon merchandise will be sold at Newcastle train stations and shopping areas throughout the day. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au.

Karumah Positive Living Centre 20th Anniversary Dinner    
Fri 27 Nov, Customs House Hotel, 7pm
The special event will commemorate 20 years of service by the Karumah PLC to people with HIV. $60 per head (reduced rates for positive people. Contact: admin@karumah.com.au

Tree Planting Ceremony       
Sun 29 Nov, Carrington Garden Grove, Cowper St, Carrington, 10am
Free public gathering in the community garden in Carrington near the Cowper Street bridge. A tree will be planted to commemorate those who have died of HIV/AIDS in the Hunter. Light refreshments will also be served. Contact: msaunders@acon.org.au

Hunter AIDS Memorial Quilts Display and Luncheon
Tue 1 Dec, John Hunter Hospital, 11am
Come and view the quilt in the AIDS Memorial Garden at the hospital’s eastern entrance, next to the Royal Newcastle Centre. Then stay for a free lunch. Contact: Richard.Riley@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au  or Pauline.Dobson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

AIDS Awareness Stall
Tue 1 Dec, Royal Newcastle Centre Foyer, 9am – 3.30pm
Get the latest info about preventing and treating HIV/AIDS from staff at the John Hunter Hospital.
Contact: Pauline.Dobson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or Richard.Riley@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

AIDS Awareness Stall
Tue 1 Dec, Newcastle Community Health Building, 9am – 3.30pm
Get the latest info about preventing and treating HIV/AIDS from staff at the Pacific Clinic & Harm Minimisation. Contact: Tania.Ewin@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or Annette.Cater@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Milk Screening
Tue 1 Dec,  Lake Cinema Boolaroo, 7pm
Rainbow Visions presents this special charity screening of the Academy Award-winning film Milk about the life of gay rights campaigner Harvey Milk. Tickets at the door. Contact: burko65@hotmail.com