Over the last decade there has been a significant decline in public knowledge of how HIV is transmitted and some of the lowest levels of knowledge are in London, where half of all people with HIV live.

The media and schools can play an important role in helping people to understand the facts about HIV and the unacceptability of HIV stigma and discrimination.

Ultimately, greater public understanding will lead to lower levels of HIV transmission and a more supportive society for people living with HIV.

The media

The power of the media to communicate news and information, to influence opinions and raise awareness, means that it can be a very valuable tool in the fight against HIV. However inaccurate stories can perpetuate myths and create confusion and misunderstanding.

Accurate media coverage is therefore vital in terms of tackling the discrimination experienced by people living with HIV and helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

Read more

Schools

It's very important that the next generation can safeguard their own sexual health and help to break down the stigma and discrimination around HIV. We produce information and resources for use in schools to support this aim.

We are also part of the Sex Education Forum, which is campaigning to make sex and relationships education a compulsory part of the school curriculum.

Read more

Public attitudes

Ignorance about HIV increases vulnerability to infection and also contributes to stigma and discrimination.

We undertake research to find out about the level of public understanding of HIV and current attitudes to HIV among the public and various communities.

Read more

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV.

We develop and manage the UK's website for World AIDS Day, which gives people the opportunity to find out more about the realities of HIV in the UK and participate by taking part in an event, raising money or educating others.

Read more