World AIDS Day 2012

World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December every year to raise awareness of the global AIDS pandemic. It's estimated that 33.3 million people across the world have HIV.

HIV in the UK

As part of National HIV Testing Week, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has released a report with the latest data on HIV in the UK.

It shows around 96,000 people are living with HIV in the UK – and around a quarter are of them unaware of their status.

Commenting on the report, Natika H Halil, Director of Information at FPA said:

“The figures in this report demonstrate how important the issue of HIV still is. The fact that people are still infected, many of whom live undiagnosed, highlights that early testing and the availability of information about HIV is vital.

“Although progress has been made, we still see stigmas and lack of knowledge around HIV. While there are some communities that are disproportionately affected, nearly half of the diagnoses in 2011 were acquired heterosexually.

“This shows the continued importance of promoting condom use to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and eradicating myths about HIV infection.”

How FPA can help

FPA provides help and advice on HIV and testing including the symptoms, where to get tested and what treatment is available. We also cover how to help protect yourself from HIV and enjoy safer sex.

An FPA HIV information booklet is available as part of our series of booklets for health professionals.

We've recently launched a condom demonstrator to help professionals promote safer sex.

Developed with the knowledge and experience of FPA staff, the demonstrator is suitable for a range of settings. It's available through the FPA shop and as part of our Contraceptive Display Kit.

Durex campaign

Durex, the world’s leading condom brand, has launched a worldwide campaign to mark World AIDS Day 2012.

The 1Share1Condom campaign aims to raise awareness of HIV and to donate condoms to programmes that make a meaningful difference in HIV-prevention across the world.

Durex is encouraging people to share information about the virus on Twitter and Facebook using the #1share1condom hashtag – and is pledging to donate a condom for every person who does so.

World AIDS Day website

Visit the World AIDS Day website for more information on how to get involved.