As Prime Minister, I am proud to wear a red ribbon on World Aids Day, to show my support forpeople living with HIV in the UK and all across the world.
I am proud too of the role that the UK has played in driving advances in the treatment andprevention of HIV, including, of course, through the brilliant care and support of our NHSwhich makes such a difference in the lives of people living with HIV.
But for all the progress in treatment and prevention, public attitudes have not progressed asfar or as fast.
The latest UK HIV Stigma Index found that almost 1 in 5 respondents living with HIV in the UKhave had suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months. While around half reported feelings such asshame, guilt and low self-esteem in relation to their HIV status.
This stigma is an unacceptable stain on our society and we have to wipe it out.
Stigma is not just profoundly wrong. It also prevents many of those affected from accessingthe testing, treatment and support that they need.
Today, around 2 in 5 people are diagnosed late – after the point at which treatment shouldhave begun, with a significant impact on their long-term prognosis.
Tackling stigma is one of the ways that we can change this.
So I am proud to support this year's campaign. HIV stigma is not retro, just wrong.
I urge you to join me in taking a stand and leaving this stigma where it belongs: in the past.
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