Putting on socks is as easy as putting on a condom. That’s the message both Positive Living North(PLN) and Fire Pit Cultural Drop-In Centre is expressing on World AIDS Day.
Just outside the Prince George Courthouse the yearly Worlds AIDS Day was held to give out Socks, Soup and Sex Ed and to talk with people about the stigma associated with HIV.
Teaching children at a young age is one way you can educate people on the misconceptions that come with the virus, says HIV educator Orlando Mcleish.
“A lot of individuals still don’t know basic information. People might not know what HIV stands for. People might not know what the five fluids are, cause sometimes when we go up to individuals and we talk to them they still think saliva and urine or other body fluids can transmit HIV”
The key thing Orland wants people to know is the basic information of HIV and to make sure they don’t make assumptions about the virus.
Since the start of World AIDS Day back in 1981 there have been medical advancements that allow people to reduce the harms of HIV, but funding in support has been cut.
“Public Health did a number of community consultations up until 2016 and then in 2017 they went to a call for proposal in witch they funded primarily around education and prevention and nothing for support.” Said PLN Executive Director Vanessa West.
West added PLN wants that investment back into the communities, because there are people who are still living with HIV who need support.
The Number of people living with HIV in the North isn’t quite known because there isn’t access to testing in smaller and First Nation areas.
A candle light vigil will be held in front of the Fire Pit Culture Drop-In Centre tonight at 5pm to remember those who have lost their lives to HIV.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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