Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the immune system caused by the human
immunodificiency virus (HIV).
AIDS reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, leaving people open to infections and tumors.
HIV is transmitted through direct contact with an HIV-infected bodily fluid: blood, semen,
presemenal fluid, vaginal fluid or breast milk.
This transmission happens during vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated
hypodermic needles, exchange between a mother and her child during pregnancy.
In 2007, statistics showed 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide,
with 2.1 million deaths, including 330,000 children.
Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the disease, there is no cure.
The majority of HIV infections are acquired through unprotected sex between 2 people-one of whom has HIV.
The primary mode of HIV infection is sexual contact between members of the opposite sex.
During a sexual act, only male or female condoms can reduce the chances of infection with HIV
Using condoms reduces the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 80%
The male condom, if used correctly without oil-based lubricants, is the single most effective available technology to elimate HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Manufacturers recommend that oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly* or butter, not be used with latex condoms, because they dissolve the latex.
If necessary, manufacturers recommend using water-based lubricants.**
The female condom is an alternative to the male condom
Studies suggest that, where female condoms are available, overall protected sexual acts increase making them an important HIV-prevention strategy.
Studies on couples where one partner is infected show that with consistent condom use, HIV infection rates for the uninfected partner are below 1% per year.
*unsafe lubricants:Vaseline, Baby Oil. In all cases, READ THE LABEL
**safe lubricants: Liquid Silk, Astroglide, Pjur, K-Y products, Sliquid, RepHresh, Wet
Send a text with your zip code to "KNOWIT" (566948). Within seconds, you'll receive a text with an HIV testing site near you. This free service is through www.HIVtest.org.
AIDS Committee of London
aidslondon.com 519.434.1601
ACOL gives Londoners infected with HIV and their loved ones support from their London and Stratford locations. Services: housing, OW & ODSP benefits, emotional & financial counselling including emergency financial counselling, on-site food banks, transportation and referrals.
Options Clinic
659 Dundas Street East, London
(519) 673-4427
www.optionsclinic.ca
Anonymous HIV testing, no healthcard or name required, appointment needed.
See full list at: http://www.aidslondon.com/info_help.php
Bootcamp Club Night
Eagle London 0872 148 4071
59 Farringdon Road,
Farringdon,
London,
EC1R 3AL
A long running an popular weekly club night for gay men, Bootcamp at Eagle London features DJ sets, a pool table and a large beer garden to keep you entertained throughout the night. all proceeds from the door will be donated to Positiveline, the national helpline for HIV and AIDS. The Bootcamp night runs from 9pm - 2am on Tuesday 1st December 2009.
-World AIDS Day Cycle Ride
Sunday 29th November 2009 at Cutty Sark Gardens at 9 am- aims to be at the Southwark Needle on the south end of London Bridge at 10am.
The organisers will be asking for donations of £5.00 - £10.00, with all proceeds going to The Food Chain charity. For more information email info@southwarkcyclists.org.uk
-Go to
worldaidsday.org for more event listings in The UK.