More people than ever before are living with HIV in the UK and new infections continue. HIV is a serious long-term condition and people living with HIV often face discrimination. Whatever your HIV status, there is a role you can play in ending HIV prejudice and stopping the spread of HIV.
The UK theme for World AIDS Day 2008, "Respect & Protect", is inspired by the UNAIDS and World AIDS Campaign ongoing international theme, 'Leadership'. The international theme is developed as an overall theme which each country is encouraged to adapt to suit more specific issues around the epidemic in their region.
Each year NAT adapts the international theme to make it relevant to HIV in the UK — developing an appropriate theme and call to action, and producing new and unique visuals and materials to reflect these messages. Developed through consultation with people living with HIV, young people and relevant organisations in the UK, this year's Respect & Protect theme translates the global theme Leadership for a UK audience, setting out an agenda for individuals to take the lead in their own life.
Respect & Protect is inclusive and highlights the responsibility everyone has to transform attitudes to HIV and encourage actions that stop its spread.
Respect & Protect inspires individuals to consider the different roles they can play:
- Show respect by always treating people living with HIV fairly, respecting their confidentiality and challenging prejudice wherever it occurs.
- Respect themselves and their partners by always practising safe sex to protect their sexual health.
- Find out the facts about HIV, spread the Respect & Protect message and encourage others to do the same.
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