The Red Ribbon Appeal is raising funds and awareness for programs that help prevent new HIV transmissions, eliminate HIV stigma, and support people living with HIV (PWH).
On World AIDS day, 1 December, ACON Northern Rivers Office and supported by the HIV and Related Program Unit (HARP), are running a poster exhibition and trivia night on Thursday 1 December at Civic Hotel, 210 Molesworth Street, Lismore.
It is currently estimated that 33.9 million–43.8 million people are living with HIV globally and 54 per cent of all people living with HIV were women and girls. New HIV infections have been reduced by 54 per cent since the peak in 1996 according to UNAIDS.
Every week, around 4,900 young women aged 15–24 years become infected with HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa, six in seven new HIV infections among adolescents aged 15–19 years are among girls.
Spinks Park
The trivia night will begin with a smoking ceremony by Uncle Gilbert Laurie at 6pm at Spinks Park opposite the Civic Hotel. Community elders will speak about their experiences during the event while sexual health practitioners and the new regional manager from ACON will share some updates on treatment and prevention and other services and programs for the HIV community.
‘It will be an important opportunity to come together to learn about HIV, to reflect on how far we have come, to remember those we have lost and to stand in solidarity with PWH,’ said a spokesperson for the event.
