Menu
26/11/2007
Stigma Still Attached To HIV, Survey Finds
One in seven young people in Britain would not be willing to remain friends with someone who was diagnosed with HIV, a survey by the British Red Cross has found.
One in five young Britons also said that they would not care for a member of their family suffering from the disease.
However, only 32% of those interviewed said that they were worried about contracting HIV, despite a UN report published last week, which showed a marked increase in the incidence of HIV in the UK.
Meanwhile, a fifth of young people interviewed in South Africa said that they would remain friends with someone who contracted the disease, while in Kyrgyzstan, where HIV is a growing problem, almost half of young people questioned said that they would not remain friends with someone diagnosed with HIV.
The Red Cross said that the study of 14-25-year-olds showed "worrying levels of stigma and complacency around HIV/AIDS".
According to a report from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, around 24 people in the UK are diagnosed with HIV every day, with 8,925 new infections in 2006.
Around 300 people aged between 14 and 25 were questioned in each of Britain, Ethiopia, South Africa and Kyrgyzstan.
The survey was published by the Red Cross to launch a new campaign, which coincides with World AIDS Day on December 1, to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among young people in the UK and overseas.
Alyson Lewis, HIV adviser at the British Red Cross, which commissioned the survey, said: "The stigma and secrecy attached to HIV is having a direct impact on young people's ability worldwide to access information and talk openly about their fears and concerns about the spread of this devastating pandemic.
"Almost half of British young people interviewed would want to keep it a secret if a member of their family was living with HIV."
(KMcA)
One in five young Britons also said that they would not care for a member of their family suffering from the disease.
However, only 32% of those interviewed said that they were worried about contracting HIV, despite a UN report published last week, which showed a marked increase in the incidence of HIV in the UK.
Meanwhile, a fifth of young people interviewed in South Africa said that they would remain friends with someone who contracted the disease, while in Kyrgyzstan, where HIV is a growing problem, almost half of young people questioned said that they would not remain friends with someone diagnosed with HIV.
The Red Cross said that the study of 14-25-year-olds showed "worrying levels of stigma and complacency around HIV/AIDS".
According to a report from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, around 24 people in the UK are diagnosed with HIV every day, with 8,925 new infections in 2006.
Around 300 people aged between 14 and 25 were questioned in each of Britain, Ethiopia, South Africa and Kyrgyzstan.
The survey was published by the Red Cross to launch a new campaign, which coincides with World AIDS Day on December 1, to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among young people in the UK and overseas.
Alyson Lewis, HIV adviser at the British Red Cross, which commissioned the survey, said: "The stigma and secrecy attached to HIV is having a direct impact on young people's ability worldwide to access information and talk openly about their fears and concerns about the spread of this devastating pandemic.
"Almost half of British young people interviewed would want to keep it a secret if a member of their family was living with HIV."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2006
Diagnoses of new HIV infections remain high
The number of new cases of HIV recorded in the UK continued to grow at a high rate in 2005. Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures revealed that there were 5,560 new HIV diagnoses reported for 2005, but the figure is expected to exceed 7,750 when all the reports for the year are known.
Diagnoses of new HIV infections remain high
The number of new cases of HIV recorded in the UK continued to grow at a high rate in 2005. Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures revealed that there were 5,560 new HIV diagnoses reported for 2005, but the figure is expected to exceed 7,750 when all the reports for the year are known.
24 January 2007
Young women ignoring warnings on HIV
Seven out of ten young women do not believe that they are at risk of contracting HIV, according to the new research. The research, commissioned by the Body Shop and MTV, surveyed more than a 1,000 women aged between 16 and 30. Researchers found that 92% of respondents did not believe that a condom was an essential handbag item on a night out.
Young women ignoring warnings on HIV
Seven out of ten young women do not believe that they are at risk of contracting HIV, according to the new research. The research, commissioned by the Body Shop and MTV, surveyed more than a 1,000 women aged between 16 and 30. Researchers found that 92% of respondents did not believe that a condom was an essential handbag item on a night out.
24 November 2005
UK sees continued rise in HIV cases
A new report has shown that the number of people with HIV in the UK has risen by more than 5,000 in a year. The report, released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), shows the number of people living with HIV is now around 58,300.
UK sees continued rise in HIV cases
A new report has shown that the number of people with HIV in the UK has risen by more than 5,000 in a year. The report, released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), shows the number of people living with HIV is now around 58,300.
11 January 2005
Latest AIDS research offers fresh treatment hopes
A study by Medical Research Council scientists has revealed fresh hope for developing ways to combat HIV the virus which causes AIDS. The research team at the MRC's National Institute for Medical Research has uncovered crucial differences in a gene found in rhesus monkeys and its human counterpart.
Latest AIDS research offers fresh treatment hopes
A study by Medical Research Council scientists has revealed fresh hope for developing ways to combat HIV the virus which causes AIDS. The research team at the MRC's National Institute for Medical Research has uncovered crucial differences in a gene found in rhesus monkeys and its human counterpart.
26 November 2004
New Bill to offer better services for disabled people
The government has outlined proposals today aimed at improving access to services for people with disabilities. The new measures, part of the Disabilities Discrimination Bill, include extending the support for those living with progressive conditions like HIV, Multiple Sclerosis and cancer as soon as they are diagnosed.
New Bill to offer better services for disabled people
The government has outlined proposals today aimed at improving access to services for people with disabilities. The new measures, part of the Disabilities Discrimination Bill, include extending the support for those living with progressive conditions like HIV, Multiple Sclerosis and cancer as soon as they are diagnosed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
