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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Laura Pollock

Why are politicians wearing red ribbons at FMQs?

A NUMBER of MSPs were spotted wearing red ribbons in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.

Many, including Anas Sarwar, Lorna Slater and Jim Fairlie, were among those who could be seen wearing the ribbons.

But what do they represent and why are they wearing them?

The red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV.

The ribbon itself is a means to raise awareness on and during the run up to World Aids Day which is taking place on Friday December 1.

Where can I get a red ribbon?

Anyone wishing to order a red ribbon can do so here.

What's the story behind the red ribbon?

According to the Worlds Aids Day website, the ribbon was first devised in 1991, when twelve artists met to discuss a new project for Visual Aids - a New York HIV-awareness arts organisation. 

The UK Government has set a goal of ending HIV transmissions by 2030.

Figures provided by World Aids Day's website state that 105,000 people are living with HIV across the UK while globally an estimated 38 million are living with the virus. 

More than 35 million people have died of HIV or Aids-related illnesses over the past 40 years. 

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