Croydon Council’s free HIV and AIDS support service Metro will join a host of organisations raising awareness about local sexual health services and offering rapid HIV tests on World AIDS Day, Wednesday 1 December.
The free event tomorrow hosted by AHF UK and KwaAfrica takes place from 12 – 7pm at CVA Resource Centre, 82 London Road, Croydon CR0 2TB. The host organisations will provide the rapid HIV testing on the day, where you can drop-in anytime as no appointments are required and you will get your result in minutes.
World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Metro, the council’s HIV healthy living service, provides health and wellbeing support for anyone living with or affected by HIV in Croydon. You can contact them by phone on 020 8305 5006, email hiv@metrocharity.org.uk and visit their website www.metrocharity.org.uk
Croydon Health Services, the council’s partner organisation, will also be at the CVA information event on Wednesday.
Over 105,200 people are living with HIV in the UK. Globally, there are an estimated 38 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
“World AIDS Day is important because it reminds us all that HIV has not gone away. It remains a major health issue that affects people in Croydon and around the world. Many people remain unaware of the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination continue to be a reality for many living with the condition. We will continue our efforts in the borough, working with partners, to challenge social stigma and deliver our services both for people living with and those affected by HIV. Also for the wider community through testing, prevention and education.”
Councillor Janet Campbell, cabinet member for families, health and social care
For more information about sexual and reproductive health support services in Croydon, visit our website: www.croydon.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/sexual-and-reproductive-health-services
