Awareness day aims to raise respect for HIV sufferers

TODAY is World Aids Day and the message across Guernsey and the UK is 'respect and protect'.

The day came about in 1988 to tackle the increasing problem and raise awareness. The theme this year highlights the responsibilities people have to change attitudes to HIV and to help stop its spread.

In Guernsey, 33 people were diagnosed with HIV between 1999 and 2008 and 23 are still being cared for in the island. A Health and Social Services spokesman highlighted the realities of living with the disease in a place such as Guernsey.

'It is often a life of isolation and loneliness and this may be magnified for individuals living in a small community. Respecting people living with HIV, treating them fairly and challenging prejudice is an important message for us all.'

A sufferer said: 'This is such a beautiful island. It's my home and it's full of such great people, but it's a small place - still quite conservative. People can be quick to judge others and people worry what their friends and family think.'