What would it take for you to kiss Konnie Huq? Now what if she had HIV?
For World AIDS Day 2009, the British Red Cross commissioned a survey of 16-25-year-olds in the UK, which showed that 85 per cent know you cannot catch HIV from a kiss. Despite this, 69 per cent still wouldn't kiss someone with HIV.
So while people's knowledge about HIV is generally good, that isn’t necessarily reflected in the way they act towards people who are HIV positive.
It’s not just about close contact like kissing – the general trend is similar for more casual contact as well. For example, 96 per cent of people surveyed know you can't get HIV from sharing a meal with someone who is HIV positive - but 44 per cent still wouldn't want to buy food from a shopkeeper with HIV.
Stigma
The Red Cross needs more young people to help reduce stigma. Our peer educators train and teach people their own age, covering a range of humanitarian issues, including HIV – it’s a challenging and rewarding role.
Alyson Lewis, HIV adviser at the British Red Cross, said: “The stigma experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS is immensely destructive and can further damage people who may already be in a vulnerable state. We need to reinforce the message that you cannot catch HIV from everyday contact with people who are HIV-positive. Activities such as sharing a meal or a cup, shaking hands, hugging or kissing, or attending the same workplace, school or event as someone with the virus, will not put you at risk.”
