World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December every year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.

At the full Council meeting on 1st December, Councillors will be invited to wear the red ribbon as a symbol of their solidarity for those who are living with HIV and to pledge their support to end the social stigma faced by those living with HIV.

Councillor Tom McGee Executive Member for Health at Stockport Council said, “Many things about living with HIV have improved since the 1980s and 1990s. The treatment options and health outcomes for people diagnosed in the UK are now greatly improved.  Unfortunately, the social stigma around HIV has remained and can have an extremely negative impact on the wellbeing of people living with HIV. These social attitudes also contribute too many people with HIV being reluctant to access the testing, treatment and support available.”