June 15th, Irish AIDS Day

Today is a the Day in Ireland we remember those who have died of AIDS and commit to helping those living with HIV/AIDS in Ireland and abroad.

As part of this a new site launched today which I mentioned during the week Stampoutstigma.ie. This site is aimed at creating awareness of the another thing that kills people with HIV/AIDS. The campiagn has two aims:

1. A year long process to tackle the stigma associated with HIV while further challenging both direct and indirect discrimination experienced by people living with HIV in Ireland, while informing and learning from experiences in developing countries.

2. To promote an understanding of HIV while highlighting the irrationality of stigma and discrimination at home and abroad.

Please, you have a chance wear a Red Ribbon today and show your support.

I sincerely hope they succeed in their aims and I leave you with the words of Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa:

Many people suffering from AIDS are not killed by the disease itself. They are killed by the stigma and discrimination suurounding everyone with HIV and AIDS.