World Aids Day - school children's quiz

School children will take part in a quiz to bust myths about HIV as part of this year’s World Aids Day.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT’s specialist health promotion service is supporting a number of activities across the borough to raise awareness about the spread of HIV.

World Aids Day takes place on Saturday 1 December  to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.

This year the theme is ‘prevention through communication’ and schools in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale have been offered the chance to deliver a programme of themed events to Year 10 students. This includes a quiz aiming to dispel myths surrounding the transmission of the HIV virus.

Katie Whitehouse from the Specialist Health Promotion Service said: “It’s important for everyone to understand how HIV is passed from one person to another. Targeting young people is an essential part of HIT awareness campaigns.

“A better understanding of transmission will help reduce the number of young people engaging in risky activities like unprotected sex. We can also help reduce the stigma people living with HIV face by giving young people the facts and encouraging more positive attitudes.”

There are more than 70,000 people living with HIV in the UK and infection rates have increased, with 7,000 people diagnosed last year. Red ribbons, the international symbol of HIV, have been made available across the borough in most NHS clinics. Katie adds: “Awareness and prevention go hand in hand, and wearing a red ribbon is just one way to raise awareness about HIV.”