(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 01, 2000 ) Two-thirds of Britons have failed to adjust their lifestyle to reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS despite the vast majority knowing that unprotected sex is the main cause of the infection, according to a new survey commissioned by the National AIDS Trust (NAT) to mark World AIDS Day. The MORI survey reveals that complacency about HIV/AIDS is increasing especially amongst young people. This is shown by an 11% drop in those aged 15 to 24 in England agreeing that HIV/AIDS has made them change their lifestyle in some way compared to a similar poll conducted last year (32% in 2000 compared to 43% in 1999)**. This statistic has added significance in the context of other sexually-transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy in this age group. British Adults Do Not Know Enough About HIV One in 4 British adults, equivalent to over 10 million people, admit they do not know enough about the risks of HIV, and the majority, 77%, obtain their information about HIV from television shows such as Eastenders, news and documentaries rather than health services such as GPs, clinics or government information leaflets. One in ten wrongly believe there is a cure for AIDS, with a further one in ten remaining undecided about whether a cure exists or not, reveals the poll. WHO Reveals AIDS/HIV Epidemic is Escalating With figures (*see below) published by the World Health Organisation (on Friday 24 November), revealing that the AIDS/HIV epidemic is escalating, not diminishing, the research also throws into sharp focus continuing evidence of HIV stigma in British society with only 14% saying they would donate time or money to HIV charity work in contrast to many other medical conditions, for example cancer which came in at 74%. And 57% of those polled agreed that people who become infected through unprotected sex "only have themselves to blame." Backed up by these stark findings, and with the special focus of World AIDS Day, the National AIDS Trust is keen to encourage people to: Wear the Red Ribbon to show support for people living with HIV and AIDS. The National Aids Trust is urging people to take a stand against HIV stigma by wearing the Red Ribbon on World AIDS Day. With this one simple act it believes individuals can make a real difference in challenging the ignorance and prejudice that surrounds HIV. "The fight against AIDS is now a fight against complacency and the attitude that HIV is 'not my problem' when the world is facing an AIDS crisis," comments Keith Winestein of the National AIDS Trust. Find out about HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, safer sex and condom use. It is of particular concern that the safer sex message is being ignored when condoms are effective in preventing not just HIV but other sexually-transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy too. Donate time and money to supporting local HIV organisations The World AIDS Day campaign website at www.worldAIDSday.org contains information and ideas on how people can make a difference on HIV and an events guide to what is happening around the UK to mark 1 December. The public can obtain free, confidential information about HIV/AIDS and sexual health issues by calling the National AIDS Helpline on 0800 567 123 (available 24 hours). ---------------Produced for the National AIDS TrustContact:Gavin HartHead of CommunicationsPh: 44 (0)20 7814 6767gavin.hart@nat.org.uk---------------

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