What is World AIDS Day
Tomorrow, the 1st December, marks World AIDS Day. Held for the first time in 1988, World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with the virus, and to commemorate the people who have died.
Since the virus was identified in 1984, significant scientific advances have been made and laws have been put in place to protect people living with condition. However 6000 people each year in the UK are still diagnosed as HIV positive, and many stigmas around the disease still remain.
The stats
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Over 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK
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Globally there are an estimated 34 million people who are HIV positive
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Since 1984 more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS
The stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS
The 2016 campaign focuses on stigma and how, although medicine for HIV has advanced a great deal, the attitudes of the public at large haven’t made much progress since the 80s and 90s. The National AIDS trust found that one in seven people reported hearing negative comments from a healthcare worker about themselves or other people living with HIV. And only three in five people felt well supported disclosing their HIV status to friends and family.
How can you help?
The easiest way to show you support is by buying a red ribbon. Buy one online here, pop into your local MAC store, or look out for vendors at tube and train stations across the UK. Alternatively, there are events up and down the country raising money for the National AIDS trust, check out the listings here.
Show your support with shopping! Click through the gallery to see the products supporting World AIDS Day 2016.
Grazia world aids day
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Brooch handmade by the House of Shaun Leane in sterling silver, red enamel and Swarovski red crystals. Each piece is hallmarked with a SHAUN LEANE logo and engraved with a number to mark its limited edition of twenty-five.
Limited edition brooch, £300, NAT
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A modern twist on the traditional red ribbon designed by Lulu Guinness. Featuring an antique gold trim, embossed with trademark Lulu lips and stamped with Lulu Guinness on the back.
Limited edition brooch, £15.99, NAT
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Victoria Beckham designs an annual t-shirt for World AIDS Day and this year's design was drawn by Harper. All profits from the sale of this T-shirt will support Born Free Africa in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission.
T-shirt, £90, Victoria Beckham
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This pop-art inspired ring is made from sterling silver and hand-painted with lacquer. 10% of the purchase price of every ring sold will go to fight AIDS.
Hotlips ring, £77, Hotlips By Solange){href='http://www.hotlipsbysolange.com/PRODUCT(RED)' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}
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Gap have created a collection of their iconic Utility Jackets featuring custom designs by six of the most renowned street artists.
Utility Jacket, £199.95, GAP)
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As well as her annual charity t-shirt, this year Victoria Beckham has also designed two sunglasses designs - we love this retro cat eye pair. All profits from the sale of this T-shirt will support Born Free Africa in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission.
Sunglasses, £320, Victoria Beckham
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Every penny of MAC's Viva Glam lipsticks goes to the MAC Auds Fund - a charity that supports women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Viva Glam Ariande Grande Lipstick, £15.50, [MAC](Viva Glam Ariande)
For more info about World AIDS Day, The National AIDS Trust and HIV and Aids, check out worldaidsday.org
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