NCIC celebrates new HIV treatments on World Aids Day

The Trust is also remembering those who have lost their lives to the virus. 

On Thursday, November 28, lord lieutenant Mr Alexander Scott and deputy mayor of Carlisle Cllr Jeanette Whalen visited staff at the Solway Clinic in the city to find out more about the services the trust offers.

In a post on social media, North Cumbria Integrated Care wrote: "Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers faced by people living with HIV and everyone has a role to play in challenging harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, by learning the facts, talking openly, and challenging harmful ideas.

"Testing and treating is the key to ending HIV transmissions.

"Effective treatment helps people to live long, healthy lives with HIV and means they can’t pass the virus on.

"We are keen to highlight the variety of different ways that people can now get tested including free and confidential HIV tests from sexual health clinics charity testing services, many GP surgeries, pharmacies, or online for self-testing at home."

The Trust has clinics in Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal, and Barrow.

If you want to attend a sexual health clinic in Cumbria call the central booking line on 01228 608989, take a look at our webpages or there is also a confidential online booking system.

Rapid HIV testing is also available in some pharmacies in Cumbria. The test is free, simple, and confidential. You’ll receive your result in around 15 minutes.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, while AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

There's currently no cure for HIV, but there are very effective drug treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life, according to the NHS.

With an early diagnosis and effective treatments, most people with HIV will not develop any AIDS-related illnesses and will live a near-normal lifespan.