World AIDS Day, taking place on Thursday December 1, is a day people all over the world come together to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, encourage progress in prevention, treatment, and care, and break down the stigma and discrimination still surrounding the condition.
AIDS West will host its annual World AIDS Day Memorial Concert in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway, on Thursday December 1 at 7pm, with Bel Canto and Cois Cladaigh performing on the evening.
AIDS West is a west of Ireland based charity working in the area of HIV and sexual health, with offices located in Galway. Its primary function is to provide support for people who are HIV positive, however it also delivers extensive education programmes and information in relation to HIV and sexual health.
“Promoting condom use and regular testing remain key to limiting the spread of HIV and STIs among those who are sexually active,” said AIDS West manager Joe McDonagh. “Being diagnosed with HIV today means something very different than it did 20 or 30 years ago, as HIV is no longer a death sentence. However the stigma associated with HIV can act as a barrier to people accessing testing services. To encourage them to get tested more regularly, AIDS West is to launch a free rapid HIV testing service on Tuesday November 29 from 5pm to 8pm at the Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre, Merchants Road, Galway.”
People throughout the west of Ireland are invited to attend the free concert on Thursday December 1 to show their solidarity with those living with HIV and help challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.
To book an appointment for a free rapid HIV test on Tuesday November 29, or for more information, contact 091 566266, www.aidswest.ie, or email [email protected].
