01 December 2021
As shown in the UNAIDS report released this week on 1 December, HIV infection rates are not falling fast enough to allow us to reach the current goal of eradicating the disease by 2030. The rate of testing has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and uniformly so on a global scale. We hence need to respond to the urgency and double our efforts.
Testing and antiretroviral treatment are therefore essential prevention tools to reduce the number of new HIV infections. In order to facilitate access to screening, the Mobile HIV Rapid Screening Unit – DIMPS – will be present on 1 December, from 11 am to 3 pm on the forecourt of the Luxembourg train station offering a free and anonymous rapid screening test to anyone who wishes to take it. A screening service will also be available at the HIV Berodung every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. The rapid test is a simple procedure that takes a few minutes and allows you to find out whether or not you are infected with HIV. A way to reassure yourself or to settle any doubts! In addition, a mobile team will be distributing condoms to raise awareness of HIV and other STI prevention!
The Red Ribbon remains the symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV. Every year, the volunteers and employees of the HIV Berodung service distribute ribbons to individuals and in shops in the run-up to World AIDS Day.
This year, the HIV Berodung service of the Luxembourg Red Cross wanted to associate fashion with the Red Ribbon service by launching its annual “Preventive Art” competition under the theme “Red Ribbon Fashion”. A dress, a handbag, a piece of jewellery or a hat with a ribbon on it or in the shape of a ribbon – these are just a few examples of the clothes and accessories that were created by high school students, private individuals and artists for the competition. Participants showed great creativity and no less than 37 designs were submitted. These creations were evaluated by a jury made up of members of the HIV Berodung prevention department and the competition sponsors: CAP 4 LAB, POST Luxembourg and Saturn Business, who are offering wonderful prizes that will be revealed during the solidarity evening. In addition to the projects bagging the jury’s vote, the public has also been invited to vote for the winner of the competition and the public’s favourite via the social network Facebook on the Dimps-Project page.
On the occasion of World Aids Day 2021, a solidarity evening is being organised on Wednesday 1 December from 5.30 pm by the HIV Berodung service in collaboration with the Lycée Technique du Centre, in the presence of the Minister of Health, Paulette Lenert. The highlight of the evening will be a fashion show spotlighting the clothes and accessories created in the framework of the “Preventive Art – Red Ribbon Fashion” competition, followed by the best designs being awarded a prize. The teachers and students of the Lycée technique du Centre have been heavily involved in the creative set-up of the fashion show. The hairdressing and beauty students will be in charge of the make-up and hair of their classmates, who will be modelling their competition creations. The fashion show will be graced by the presence of Francis Hoven, 1er Dauphin Mister Luxembourg, and Medusa Venom, Miss Drag Queen 2021. The evening will be hosted by the splendid Madame Yoko. The event will take place in compliance with the Covid-check regime.