Prince George, B.C.- Northern Health has launched a STOP HIV/AIDS campaign in Prince George.

 

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness under the four year Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention (STOP) pilot project and encourages increased HIV testing and early treatment among all age groups.

 

In addition to an advertising campaign,  Northern Health will be visiting schools, community centres, community groups, prisons and other northern venues to educate and inform northerners about the benefits of early HIV testing.

 

Dr. Ronald Chapman, Chief Medical Health Officer for Northern Health,   says the object will be to spread the word throughout the north that anyone who has been sexually active, uses injection drugs or is in a high risk group should be encouraged to take an HIV test “HIV affects everyone” says Dr. Chapman “ Early testing can help to combat the disease and enable an HIV positive person to begin earlier treatment and live a longer, healthier life.”

 

Dr. Abu Hamour , an infectious disease specialist with the University  Hospital of Northern B.C. says HIV is a chronic manageable disease, not a death sentence. “We know that  HIV/AIDS is a difficult subject for many people to talk about. We know that stigma still surrounds this disease. But we’d like to break down barriers and talk openly about HIV and AIDS.