Q News
Jordan Hirst
Long-term survivor David Polson has laid a wreath at Qtopia Sydney’s HIV/AIDS Memorial to mark World AIDS Day today.
David (above right) was one of the first 400 men to be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Australia. Of those men, he is one of only 32 still alive today. David celebrated his 70th birthday last month.
He is the founding chair of Qtopia Sydney, the city’s LGBTQIA+ history and culture museum, which opened earlier this year.
On Sunday morning, David laid a wreath at Qtopia’s permanent HIV/AIDS Memorial (above) for World AIDS Day in honour of those lost to the epidemic.
People can visit Qtopia for free on Sunday to lay their own flowers and buy blooms to benefit organisations working with Australians living with HIV, including Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Positive Life, ACON, Kirby Institute and Ankali Project.
Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day and this year the theme is “It starts with me”.
The theme reflects personal empowerment to ensure we all have knowledge about HIV, including prevention medication PrEP, maintaining an undetectable viral load to prevent transmission (U=U), accessing support options, and tackling the stigma that persists around HIV.
“Changing the story on HIV starts with all of us,” David Polson wrote on Instagram.
“We all have the right to enjoy fulfilling, purposeful lives. For people living with HIV today, it’s more possible than ever.
“We’re in a very different era – one where people can not only live much longer, they can live much better.
“World AIDS Day is our chance as a community to remember loved ones and reflect on the progress we’ve made.”
‘Ensure no one’s left behind’ in ending HIV transmission
In recent years, HIV testing rates overall among gay, bisexual and queer men have continued to increase and transmission rates continue to trend downward.
However, experts say there is more work to do, with key strategies to end new HIV infections including promoting testing and prevention methods and starting treatment promptly after an HIV diagnosis.
This week, the Albanese Government launched Australia’s 9th National HIV Strategy.
The strategy commits to a new HIV awareness and anti-stigma campaign and new models for HIV testing and treatment.
It also aims to make HIV prevention medication PrEP more accessible by expanding access for people who are ineligible for Medicare.
ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse said we must “ensure no one is left behind as we progress towards ending the HIV epidemic throughout Australia.”
“We’ve made remarkable progress toward the goal of virtually eliminating HIV transmission in NSW, particularly among gay and bisexual men living in the inner city,” he said.
“There is still more work to be done to ensure all people who need it get the benefits of HIV prevention.
“Some people who come to Australia to live, work, or study, may not know that HIV testing and prevention is available, confidential, and still important. Getting everyone access to services quickly is a priority.
“Ending HIV transmission also means ending stigma. Stigma not only affects those living with HIV but also deters people from seeking care.”
36th anniversary of World AIDS Day
2024 marks the 36th anniversary of the first World AIDS Day, which began in 1988 to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic across the globe.
“Today, we honour the millions worldwide who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, as well as those who provided care,” Woodhouse said.
“We acknowledge the strength and resilience of people living with HIV in NSW and globally, standing in solidarity with them.
“On this World AIDS Day, let’s continue our efforts. We all have a role to play in ending HIV transmission in NSW and supporting those living with HIV.”
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