World AIDS Day is held across the world on 1 December.

Over 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK. Globally there are an estimated 34 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, 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 around 6,000 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.

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.

In Manchester City Centre there is a Candlelit Vigil and Procession – all welcome – Thursday 1st December 7pm, Sackville Gardens, Sackville Street, M1 3HB.

Find out more about you can get involved locally here.
Find out more about national campaigns here.

Liberal Democrats in Bury were successful in backing a motion which was agreed by our national Party Conference in support the campaign for a relatively new HIV preventative treatment ‘Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis” or ‘PrEP’ to be made available on the NHS. At present the Government and the NHS are refusing to make this drug, which is 99% effective, available. Find out more about the ‘I Want Prep Now’ campaign here.