5km run in three Cork locations to tackle stigma of HIV

THE Sexual Health Centre in Cork is set to host a 5km run this weekend in a bid to tackle HIV stigma and encourage people to test regularly.

Established in 2018, the World AIDS Day run is delivered in partnership with Parkrun Ireland and in conjunction with sexualwellbeing.ie, Healthy Ireland, and the HSE.

People across the country are being urged to get involved in the event, which takes place at three locations in Cork tomorrow at 9.30am. The locations are Ballincollig Regional Park, Glen River Park, and Tramore Valley Park.

Dr Martin Davoren, executive director of the Sexual Health Centre, said: “Each of us plays a part in reducing stigma. We’re encouraging people to get involved so that, together, we can tackle HIV stigma in Ireland.”

Chairperson of the Sexual Health Centre, Ciarán Lynch, highlighted how the U=U message (Undetectable = Untransmittable) associated with World AIDS Day has changed the landscape for people living with HIV.

“Misinformation within the Irish population regarding HIV still exists,” he said.

“Many people still believe that HIV can be transmitted through saliva, kissing, or sharing utensils.

“This lack of knowledge reinforces existing stigma and has a strong negative impact on people living with HIV and their families.

“The World AIDS Day free 5K run aims to highlight the U=U message, address existing misconceptions, normalise the process of HIV testing and reduce associated stigma.”

Referencing advances in treatment, he said: “People living with HIV, who take treatment daily as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load have no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to an HIV-negative partner”.

To register for the event and receive a free World AIDS Day dri-fit top, visit www.sexualhealthcentre.com/wadrun2023