David Cameron backs World Aids Day

Published on 01/12/2012 00:00

Too many people are not educated about HIV and Aids, the Prime Minister has said, after figures suggest that a record number of people in the UK are living with HIV.

David Cameron said that almost 25,000 people in the UK who have the human immunodeficiency virus are not aware they have been infected.

These people are not benefiting from treatment and are increasing the risk of passing the virus on, he said. Mr Cameron said that World Aids Day today should be used to “spread the message” about education, testing and early diagnosis.

The international annual campaign, symbolised with a red ribbon, is about increasing awareness of the disease, celebrating breakthroughs in treatment and remembering those who have died as a result.

“World Aids Day is a chance to do two things: take action and reflect,” said Mr Cameron. “First, it has got to be a spur to take action, as there are still far too many people who aren’t educated about HIV and Aids.

“Over 100,000 people in the UK are living with HIV, but a quarter do not know they have it – that is 25,000 people who are not benefiting from treatment and are increasing the risk of passing the virus on.”