Medical students share message of HIV/AIDS

Medical students from The University of Queensland are throwing two big events to help share a message they feel is extremely important - that HIV/AIDS can affect anyone.

Medical students Thienminh Dinh and Katherine Gridley are organising this year’s TIME Red Campaign, an awareness day on August 1, as well as a red-themed party on August 2, aimed at spreading what they believe is a very important message.

“It's not just Africa, it's not just IV drug users and it's not just gay men,” said Thienminh.

“The message that HIV/AIDS can be a devastating disease to any human being is one of great importance.”

UQ's global health club TIME (Towards International Medical Equality) started the campaign at UQ in 2011.

“Last year’s Red Aware Day saw nearly 500 students visit us on the Grassy Knoll, where they could grab some great freebies and mingle with the representatives from various sexual health organisations,” said Katherine.

“And the Red Party was an outstanding success, with well over 350 guests filling Fringe Bar to capacity. Our hope is that this year’s Red Aware Day and Red Party will be even bigger, and continue to become an annual UQ tradition.”

The organisers are passionate about spreading the message because, as medical students, they have seen the significant impact HIV/AIDS can have on a patient’s life.

“There are 2,000 newly infected people in Queensland each year, and the disease is responsible for 2.1 million deaths worldwide, with immeasurable burden in terms of morbidity and social stigma,” said Katherine.

“The disease has such widespread devastation, yet is completely preventable in Western society. Anyone who shares blood contact with another, whether through unprotected sex or sharing needles, is at risk regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation”.

Red Aware Day will be held on August 1 at the St Lucia campus from 10am to 2pm. It will feature information stalls from Queensland Health, Queensland Positive People, Queensland Association for Healthy Communities and more, with a BBQ, bake sale, DJ and visit from the Nova Sandmans team also planned.

The Red Party on August 2 at Fringe Bar in Fortitude Valley will feature entertainment by DJ Ged Forrest, a polaroid photo booth and specials at the bar.

Doors open at 7pm. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased from www.timeuq.org and are $12 for TIME members and $14 for non-members. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $16 on the night, with all money going to QIMR and UNICEF.

“We hope to make this party the standout event on the social calendar, not only in terms of raising funds, but also in the context of HIV/AIDS awareness,” said Katherine.

“Our aim is to raise $6000 or more for the campaign’s benefactors: the HIV virology lab at the QLD Institute of Medical Research and UNICEF’s Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS program.

“This would not be possible without the help of our sponsors Henry Coughlin Photography, 4 Seasons, Bundaberg Distilling Co. and Getaphotobooth."

The first Red Party helped raise over $4000 for the campaign's benefactors QLD Institute of Medical Research and Oxfam.

Media: Katherine Gridley (0407 374 575) or Janelle Kirkland, UQ Communications, (0424 013 095).