World Aids Day Ribbon flag to be raised in city
ARED ribbon flag will be raised outside City Hall tomorrow to mark World Aids Day.
Buildings around Bristol will also be turning red to raise awareness, including Temple Meads Train Station and Ashton Gate Stadium.
World Aids Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV – by showing support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an Aids-related illness.
Tomorrow also marks the one year anniversary of Bristol becoming a Fast Track City, which is an innovative partnership to end HIV transmissions by 2030.
Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of Bristol said: “One year ago, Bristol signed the Fast Track City declaration and committed to ending new HIV infections in the city and stopping HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Despite 2020 being a challenging year, we have continued to work tirelessly to achieve these goals including securing nearly £500k in funding from the Health Foundation for a three year project to tackle HIV inequalities in the African and Caribbean heritage communities of Bristol.”
In October, Bristol also became one of the first UK cities to deliver the National PrEP roll out through
Unity Sexual Health. This followed from a three year trial of this ground-breaking drug which, when taken, prevents HIV transmission.
Rami Ghali, CEO at Brigstowe, the HIV Support Service working in partnership with Bristol City Council, said: “People living with HIV on effective medication, now have a normal life span and can’t pass the virus on.
“The challenge for this decade is to end both HIV transmission and the stigma and discrimination still experienced by those living with HIV. I invite you to find out more and stand with those living with HIV by attending one of our World Aids Day events.”