Mr Dan Hartland Director of Operations Co-Founder Saving Lives	The Rt Hon Lord Hunt Shadow Deputy Leader of the Lords Founding Patron Saving Lives	Prof Jane Anderson Lead HIV Consultant Founding Patron Saving Lives	Curtis Davies Professional Footballer Founding Patron Saving Lives	Dr Stephen Taylor Lead HIV Consultant Medical Director Saving Lives

Reducing the late diagnosis of HIV is a key priority for the Health and Wellbeing agendas all over the country. Sexually Transmitted and Blood-borne viruses like HIV and Hepatitis are silent killers. They can be symptom-free for years, and without taking a test people can live for many years without knowing they are infected – and by the time they do know it may be too late for today’s life-saving treatments to have their full effect. Furthermore they may have passed the viruses to their nearest and dearest. Did you know in the UK today:

• One in five of those living with HIV do not know they have the virus.

• One in every three hundred and fifty people in the UK have hepatitis-B.

• When it comes to hepatitis-C, half of those who have it are unaware of their status.

This year,  to promote World AIDS Day we are sending a very simple message: STOP THE STIGMA. All of these viruses can be treated. Those living with them can live full, fruitful lives. But only if they know,  and only if they get tested and treated early. Unnecessary, unfounded stigma can still dissuade some from reporting to test – let’s fight that together.