The 1st of December is World AIDS Day and to mark the day the Sexual Health Centre in partnership with ACT UP and Positive Cork they have launched a collaborative community project: ‘End HIV Stigma.’
To spread a new light and hopefully end the stigma, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the focus of a new mural on Grattan Street.
It is estimated that over 7,000 people in Ireland are living with HIV today.
Grattan Street MuralAbout 15% of that number don't know that they have HIV as they have never been tested or have contracted HIV since their last test.
Elinor O’Donovan from the Sexual Health Centre led the project alongside a number of people living with HIV, who advised on the planning and design of the mural.
As part of the initiative on Wednesday the 1st of December at 12:30pm, a panel discussion will be hosted to officially launch the project, with free entry to the public at the Firkin Crane and via livestream.
Speaking of the project Elinor said:
“Medical advances have ensured that people in Ireland can live full, healthy lives with HIV. So, in the last 40 years, how we treat HIV has significantly improved but how we treat people living with HIV has not.
I’m hoping that this mural brings the harmful stigma faced by people living with HIV, into public conversation, and highlights that many HIV-positive people are living positive lives.”
Ms. O’Donovan says it is important to emphasis that those living with HIV, who take treatment as prescribed, cannot sexually transmit the virus to a HIV-negative partner.
“Effective treatment can reduce the quantity of HIV in someone's system so that it is undetectable in standard blood tests, and cannot be sexually transmitted. This is why we say Undetectable = Untransmittable or #UequalsU. It’s a crucial message for ending HIV-related stigma.”
A study published by the Sexual Health Centre has shown that misinformation surrounding HIV is still prevalent in Ireland.
Many people still believe that HIV can be transmitted through saliva, kissing or sharing utensils.
This misinformation reinforces existing stigma and has a strong negative impact on people living with HIV and their families.
Positive people live positive lives End HIV Stigma mural on Grattan Street in #CorkCity pic.twitter.com/JcvVxqlY4A
— FearghalO'Muineachain (@FearghaloM) November 26, 2021
This initiative is funded by HSE Arts + Health and free registration for the panel discussion, ‘End HIV Stigma: A Cork Reflection’, is available at sexualhealthcentre.com/events.
On Saturday 4th of December, the Sexual Health Centre will host a free 5K fun run nationwide to highlight HIV testing services, and address HIV stigma. Free registration is available at sexualhealthcentre.com/events.
