World AIDS Day run to take place in Ballincollig

THE Cork leg of the World AIDS Day 5km run will take place this coming Saturday from 9.30am at the Regional Park in Ballincollig.

Organised by the Cork-based Sexual Health Centre and run in conjunction with Ballincollig parkrun, the event is being held to raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing and the available testing facilities.

It is estimated that there are now more than 6,000 people living with HIV in Ireland, with 10 Irish people being diagnosed each week – almost half of whom are under the age of 35.

However, according to the Sexual Health Centre, as many as 15 per cent of those living with HIV do not know they have the virus as they have not been tested or may have gotten HIV since their last test.

The focus of Saturday’s event will be on encouraging people to know their HIV status under the tagline, ‘Everyone has a HIV status. What’s Yours?’

Dr Martin Davoren, the executive director of the Sexual Health Centre, said the ultimate aim of the run was to challenge the stigma, discrimination and misinformation surrounding the topic of HIV; highlight existing supports and testing services; and promote positive physical and mental health.

He said that many people still believe HIV can be transmitted through coughing or sneezing, as well as kissing.

“The lack of knowledge reinforces existing stigma and has a strong negative effect on people living with HIV and their families,” he said. “The World AIDS Day run aims to address misconceptions and normalise the process of HIV testing.”

Dr Davoren said the centre was encouraging people to check or update their HIV status.

“It’s never been easier to get tested. All it takes is one finger prick, and one minute later you will have your result. There are testing centres available right across the country,” he said.

“Recent research tells us that people living with HIV who take treatment daily as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to a HIV-negative partner. It is important to know your status to protect your health and well-being.”

For more information about the free World AIDS Day run and the work of the Sexual Health Centre, visit www.sexualhealthcentre.com.