Nova Scotia making efforts to spread awareness on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1

Two events to mark World AIDS Day took place in Halifax on Friday.

At Province House, government officials raised a white flag with a red ribbon, the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV.

This year’s theme of Let Communities Lead recognizes the crucial role normalization of diagnosis plays in supporting the treatment of those affected.

“Those infected with HIV/AIDS still face discrimination and stigma even though great strides have been made with treatment,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson.

“We’ll continue to work and help remove inequity barriers that get in the way of proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Nova Scotia.”

The province saw 27 cases of AIDS reported in 2022, with an average of 21 cases being reported per year over the last five years.

Earlier in the day at Halifax’s Public Gardens, nearly 300 scarves hand-knitted and crocheted scarves from makers across the province were hung from fence posts by Halifax Regional Municipality coun. Pam Lovelace, staff and volunteers.

Each of the scarves has a tag containing information about HIV testing and prevention.

Dec. 1 also marks the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week in Canada.