Green Party LGBT News

One in seven would shun HIV friend	27 November 2007
Summary World AIDS Day: One in seven would shun HIV friend

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World AIDS Day: One in seven would shun HIV friend

As World AIDS Day approaches on 1 December, new research has found that one in seven young people in the UK would not be willing to remain friends with someone diagnosed with HIV [1]. To help raise awareness and overcome the stigma surrounding the disease, Jean Lambert MEP joined a group of cross-party London politicians yesterday to prepare meals for housebound HIV sufferers.

After volunteering in Highbury with The Food Chain [2], an organization that delivers meals to 350 people in the capital every Sunday, Jean Lambert said:

"Being diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness is devastating and on top of that many people face being stigmatized because of the lack of understanding surrounding HIV and AIDS. With rising numbers of new diagnoses year-on-year there should be further investment in education to reduce infection rates and increase comprehension of the disease."

Lending her support to The Food Chain, Jean Lambert continued:

"As well as the right medication, good nutrition is vital for those with weakened immune systems. The Food Chain provides a crucial service for housebound HIV and AIDS sufferers, helping to improve their quality of life.
New volunteers are always welcome."

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