23 November 2008

Helping people understand that HIV is still a major health issue is the focus of various activities on the Mid North Coast 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) mid North Coast Office 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,” she 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 Mid North Coast region, we have up to 200 people living with HIV. And despite 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,” she 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 Mid North Coast office is supporting the following World AIDS Day events:

Red Ribbon Appeal
Tue 1 Dec, selected locations + online
In the lead-up to World AIDS Day, Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s offices at Shop 3 146 -150 Gordon St Port Macquarie and 9 Boambee St, Coffs Harbour as well as selected businesses in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Then on Tue 1 Dec, volunteers will be selling ribbons in the Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour CBDs between 9am – 3pm. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au.

This Is Oz Exhibition
Tue 24 Nov – Tue 1 Dec, Port Macquarie Library   
www.thisisoz.com.au is an online photo gallery where participants can upload pictures of themselves with messages that challenge homophobia or celebrate diversity and social inclusion. Submissions to this national humans rights project from Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast residents are being showcased at this moving and inspirational exhibition to mark World AIDS Day.

AIDS Awareness Stall
Sun 29 Nov, Jetty Foreshores Markets, Coffs Harbour
Get the latest information on HIV prevention and support and purchase Red Ribbon merchandise including World AIDS Day Calendars.