To mark World AIDS Day (1 December 2015) HIV charity AVERT has launched an animation to help people overcome fears and worries about HIV – something which is stopping millions of people from getting tested for the virus.
With nearly half (46%) of people living with HIV unaware of their status (UNAIDS, 2015) the charity aims to encourage HIV testing by promoting the realities of testing for, and living with, HIV.
The short Stand Up to HIV animation tackles common worries expressed by users of the charity’s information service, AVERT.org, and encourages people to prioritise their health over fear and get tested for HIV.
AVERT Chief Executive, Sarah Hand, says: “We regularly hear from people in all parts of the world who arestill worried about the HIV test itself, what people might think of them, or getting a positive diagnosis.
The reality is that fear stops people from getting the help they need. With this campaign we aim to change this and ensure people are empowered to take action to protect their health and drive down new infections.
We want to let people know that testing is quick, easy and confidential and that treatment means HIV-positive people can live a healthy life. Knowing the facts will encourage people to take their health in their own hands and get tested”.
Produced in partnership with animator Nick Gripton, the #StandUpToHIV campaign is running globally for one month from 25 November and is available at: www.avert.org/hiv-
AVERT developed this animation in support of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment target, which highlights HIV stigma as one of the major barriers to #FastTrack an end to the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
