Scots mum praises first new HIV awareness advert in 40 years to air on TV
dailyrecord.co.ukA Scots mum who was diagnosed with HIV seven years ago has praised a “long overdue” television campaign that will see the first new advert raising awareness of the virus in 40 years.The first major TV advert on HIV to air in Scotland since the UK Government’s Don’t Die Of Ignorance campaign featuring falling tombstones 40 years ago launches at 7.58pm on Monday evening on STV.It will be a welcome departure from the message in the 1980s, telling viewers HIV was a “deadly disease” with no known cure and will instead inform viewers that those with the disease can live a healthy and happy life.Emma McAnally, 34, from Glasgow, said she hoped it would help others living with the virus to come to terms with their diagnosis.
She said: “When I was diagnosed with HIV in 2016 I was in total disbelief as I thought this was something that would never affect me.“But I was reassured by the doctor that medication would allow me to live a normal, healthy life, and this would also mean I would not be able to pass the virus on to others.“HIV hasn’t limited my hopes and aspirations in any way but the stigma has been the single biggest barrier of my diagnosis.“Unfortunately, this stigma deeply affected me, my family and friends didn’t know how to respond and it was pretty horrific for me.“Eventually, I became determined not to let that shame define me – having children was the biggest turning point for me as I became so confident in my body and by being on effective treatment, knew I could give birth to my son and daughter and they would be HIV negative.“It’s incredible to see a long overdue TV advert on the reality of HIV in 2023 and how stigma is now more harmful than the virus itself.“I hope it helps people living with HIV who are
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