{"id":55328,"date":"2021-11-23T14:15:37","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T14:15:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=55328"},"modified":"2021-11-23T15:39:18","modified_gmt":"2021-11-23T15:39:18","slug":"wales-hiv-testing-week-2021-facts-events-and-getting-tested-cardiff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2021\/11\/23\/wales-hiv-testing-week-2021-facts-events-and-getting-tested-cardiff\/","title":{"rendered":"Stars Gareth Thomas and Billie Piper lend their voices to HIV campaign"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wales HIV Testing Week 2021: the facts, events, and how to get tested in Cardiff<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

THIS is HIV testing week in Cardiff as campaigners work to improve awareness and get to zero transmission of HIV by 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HIV is the virus that causes Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome, otherwise known as Aids. It attacks vital CD4 T-cells and if left untreated can lead to an extremely weak immune system and early death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most HIV+ people, if they are diagnosed early, can take medication and become \u201cundetectable\u201d. This means they are not able to pass on the virus and can continue to live healthy lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aim of the week is to \u201cbreak down the stigma that prevents people from testing, show how easy it is to get tested and link people to the national free postal testing portal”, according to a group that aims to reduce transmission of HIV in Cardiff to zero by 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The number diagnosed with HIV among gay and bisexual men is going down but we’re seeing an increase among women,” said Lisa Power from Fast Track Cardiff, a group within Pride Cymru. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We’re still seeing a higher rate of late diagnosis with some people having a CD4 cell count below 300. We haven’t had a public health campaign in 14 years and while no transmission by 2030 is achievable, it won’t be with things as they are,” said Ms Power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Former rugby player Gareth Thomas, Doctor Who\u2019s Billie Piper, and other celebrities have lent their support for Wales HIV Testing Week in videos posted to Fast Track Cardiff\u2019s Instagram<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An event will be held at Cardiff Central Library Hub at 6.30pm on Thursday, November 25 featuring speakers from Cardiff University, Fast Track Cardiff, and Cardiff Royal Infirmary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A community event will be held on World Aids Day<\/a> on December 1 at Cardiff University at 8.15pm. Speeches will be held and a procession to a memorial tree in Gorsedd Park, Cooper’s Field, Cardiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further information can be found on Fast Track Cardiff’s Instagram account<\/a> and website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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