[ad_1]
Although HIV continues to be stigmatized, a march in Prince George aimed to remove these barriers today (July 20).
According to Canadian government figures, 2,402 new HIV cases were diagnosed in 2017, an increase of 3% over the previous year.
There has been an increase of 17.1% since 2014.
Today, members of the community, elected government officials and advocacy groups visited Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park to raise awareness of the disease.
"It was not so long ago, if you were touched by AIDS, your future would not be bright," said MP Shirley Bond. "But thanks to marches like this one, to education, information and research, things have more hope and it's the goal of this There is a chance to live longer, to live healthier and you all take a step today by being part of that, we need to be inclusive in our community. "
Acting Mayor Garth Firzzell, echoed a similar message, saying that there was more hope in the world.
"It's an important event," he says. "This walk and the time we have today are hopeful, hope to improve the quality of life with the disease, but also hope to find a cure."
Positive Living North and Rotary Club Nechako together organized the 2019 march.
Angelia Wilson, Executive Director of Positive Living North, said the community was an important reason to help spread the message of hope.
"For me, bringing people to the board really shows the support we offer to those living with the virus," she says. "We are here to support people living with HIV in Prince George and educate people in the community to know that, even though it's a chronic and manageable disease, we need to stay aware of this virus and ensure that people are aware and protect themselves and their loved ones. "
[ad_2]
Source link
