HIV: Ending Stigma and Promoting Health
- Healthwatch Southend
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
In Southend, around 3% of people are estimated to be living with HIV.
This is higher than the national average of 1%. A major issue is late diagnosis, which can harm health and increase the chance of passing HIV to others.
HIV affects the immune system and makes it harder to fight infections. Without treatment, it can develop into AIDS, the most advanced stage. AIDS can be treated, but it is harder to manage. You can find information about symptoms on the NHS website.
Healthwatch Southend recently joined an online HIV and PrEP awareness session with Brook and SAVS. The team explained how HIV is passed on, how it can be prevented, and how treatment helps people live a normal life span. PrEP is a medicine for people who do not have HIV but may be at higher risk. Talking openly helped challenge stigma, replace myths with facts, and support people to make safe, healthy choices.
Understanding Stigma
Many people still feel judged or worried when talking about HIV. This stigma stops people from getting tested or seeking support.
HIV cannot be passed through everyday contact including;
hugging
kissing
sharing food or drinks
toilets, or normal daily activities.
HIV is passed through blood and a few specific body fluids. Outside the body, the virus dies after about 30 seconds. Risk increases through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or avoiding testing. You can find more details in the links at the end and who should get a test.
Treatment Today
Modern treatment works extremely well. It can reduce the virus to an undetectable level. When HIV is undetectable, the person stays healthy and cannot pass it on.
Testing is quick, free, and confidential. Early testing means better health and less risk to others.
Tell us your experience of health and social care services in Southend or contact us if you need information about a service.
Helpful contacts
Brook Southend, at the Victoria Centre, offers HIV testing, PrEP support, and other sexual health services. They can also help with access to support services.
Positively UK offers peer-led support, advocacy, and information to empower individuals living with HIV to effectively navigate every aspect of their diagnosis, care, and life with HIV.
Terrence Higgins Trust – some usual resources and ability to order a test kit online.
If you've got any personal experiences about sexual health services to share - anonymously - get in touch by using our contact form:
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