Jeremy Corbyn: We must take leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS
Jeremy Corbyn has called for the UK to take a leading role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn made the comments in his message to mark World AIDS Day, December 1.
Speaking in the clip, released to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, the left-wing leader spoke about the challenges faced on the issue.
He said: “World AIDS Day is a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come but also the how far we’ve still to go when it comes to our response to HIV in this country.
“There are over 100,000 people living with HIV in Britain. The National Health Service provides what is amongst the best treatment and care in the world
“Our health services perform extremely well against United Nations targets and making sure that people diagnosed with HIV in Britain benefit from treatment available.
“While medical advances continue, social attitudes remain stuck in the past. HIV stigma is a daily reality and is experienced in situations where people should feel supported and valued at work, in education, and when accessing services.
“Stigma also threatens the success of our response to HIV in Britain by creating a barrier to access for prevention testing and of course treatment services.
“Last year around 6,000 people were newly-diagnosed with HIV.
“Two out of five received their diagnosis at a point afterwards they should already have started treatment. Until we rid our society of HIV stigma, we will not succeed in our efforts to support people living with HIV to live well, and prevent new HIV cases.
“We’re committed to showing leadership against the HIV stigma but we also need to take responsibility for our attitudes, and make sure we understand the facts about HIV in our country.
“Let’s stamp out HIV stigma once and for all. We can all show our solidarity with people living with and affected by HIV this World AIDS Day.
“One way I’m doing this is by wearing the red ribbon and encourage you all to do the same.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Lib Dem leader Tim Farron also released videos.
