“we asked people living with hiv in ottawa to donate used red clothing that they have worn,” salam said. the clothing was cut into strips and volunteers asked people outside the nac if they would feel comfortable taking the ribbons made of the red clothing and tying them onto a fence.
the ribbons of acceptance event aimed to help dispel myths about hiv and to get people talking, said salam.
some people, when approached, kept walking, but many agreed to tie the ribbon and to talk about the issues, he said.
“we got an amazing response,” said salam. “sometimes it is just a matter of educating people. people tend to fear what they don’t know. sometimes (a conversation) opens their eyes.”
salam said the science is clear that hiv is not transmitted by touching, hugging or kissing someone living with hiv, by living with someone with hiv or by sharing utensils or sharing a toilet seat. hiv is sexually transmitted and can be spread by sharing drug equipment. it can also be transmitted from mother to child through breast milk.
for many people receiving treatment, their viral load is so low that they cannot transmit hiv under any circumstances, he said – “undetectable equals untransmissible.”
despite, that, he said there are still many people who believe it can be transmitted through clothing and other means.