Ahead of World Aids Day on 1st December 2022, sexual health clinics across Cumbria are opening their doors to local MP and Mayors to share information about what our services provide. Invited guests will have a tour of the clinics and an explanation of the patient experience once someone attends and will also be able to meet the team.

World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

Professor Matt Phillips, Associate Medical Director said  “Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment and there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year in the UK over 4,450 people are diagnosed with HIV. People do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.

“Testing and treating is the key to ending HIV transmissions. Effective treatment helps people to live long, healthy lives with HIV and means they can’t pass the virus on.

“People can also use Pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if they are at higher risk of HIV to protect themselves from catching the virus.  We are able to offer this in our clinics across Cumbria. Through combined efforts, we are collectively working towards no more HIV infections by 2030.”

If you want to attend a sexual health clinic in Cumbria call the central booking line on 01228 608989 or there is now also a confidential online booking system.

Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have HIV. If you are living with HIV, starting treatment early means you can live a full, healthy and productive life. Free and confidential HIV tests are available from NHS sexual health clinics (also called GUM clinics), charity testing services, many GP surgeries, pharmacies or online for self-testing at home.

World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

Pictured here are Tim Farron MP & Councillor  Doug Rathbone, Mayor with staff at the Kentwood Clinic in Kendal