Zack Hudson’s HIV storyline in EastEnders is already having a “huge impact” on viewers and starting “a much-needed discussion” about what it means to live with HIV in 2023, says charity The Terrence Higgins Trust.
The Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, worked with the BBC soap on the storyline that saw Zack Hudson diagnosed with HIV.
It was to accurately reflect and raise awareness of HIV, from the aftermath of receiving a diagnosis to the treatment options and implications for Zack reflecting what it is now like to live with the virus.
READ MORE: EastEnders announce HIV storyline as Zack diagnosed 31 years after Mark Fowler
The charity told Daily Star that when the episode which saw Zack Hudson test positive for HIV aired, there was a 75% increase in the number of people accessing information about HIV on their site, indicating that the storyline had already started discussions about living with HIV.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Eugene Lynch, Positive Voices Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “EastEnders’ HIV storyline is having a huge impact on viewers and starting a much-needed discussion about what it means to live with HIV in 2023.
“We worked with the BBC soap on the Mark Fowler storyline in the 1990s back when an HIV diagnosis was for many a terminal one, whereas Zack will start treatment and live as long as if he hadn’t contracted HIV thanks to the incredible progress we’ve made around HIV.”
Reflecting on the impact that Zack Hudson’s HIV storyline has already had on viewers, Eugene continued to say: “When the episode which saw Zack Hudson testing positive for HIV aired, our charity saw a 75% jump in the number of people accessing information about HIV from our website.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“This spike in our website traffic shows that Zack’s diagnosis has already started much-needed discussions around the reality of HIV today will continue as his story unfolds.
“Millions of viewers have learned that HIV treatment will soon mean Zack can’t pass it on to partners and that HIV doesn’t have to stand in the way of you doing anything you want to do – that includes having children free from HIV.”
Talking about the moment when Zack told Whitney Dean about his HIV diagnosis during an episode that aired earlier this week, Eugene added: “As someone who is living with HIV, I found the scene where Zack tells Whitney about his HIV diagnosis incredibly moving.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“Talking to your partner about your HIV status can be very emotional for both of you but it’s important to remember there’s always support available.
“If you need us, we’re here – call our helpline THT Direct on 0808 802 1221 for support, advice and information or email us at info@tht.org.uk.”
The Terrence Higgins Trust previously worked with EastEnders on the storyline that saw Mark Fowler diagnosed with HIV during the nineties.
(Image: BBC)
Mark was the first mainstream British TV character to be diagnosed with HIV, with Ian Green, Chief Executive at the Terrence Higgins Trust explaining that his story “helped changed attitudes about the virus when fear and misinformation was rife”.
Speaking about working with the BBC soap on both storylines, Ian said: “It’s been incredible to work with EastEnders on Zack’s story to show people across the UK that an HIV diagnosis doesn’t have to stop you from living life to the fullest.
“During the height of the HIV epidemic in the 1990s, we worked with EastEnders on Mark Fowler’s story to ensure HIV was portrayed accurately on screen.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“Mark was the first mainstream British TV character to be diagnosed with HIV. His story was viewed by millions and helped change attitudes about the virus when fear and misinformation was rife.”
Ian continued to say: “Over 30 years on from Mark’s storyline and sadly myths about HIV are still held by far too many people. The incredible progress we’ve made around HIV means people on effective HIV treatment can’t pass on the virus and can have a normal lifespan.
“We hope that Zack’s storyline will educate viewers on the reality of HIV in 2023 and spark conversations in living rooms across the UK.”
SUPPORT, ADVICE AND INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM THE TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST VIA THEIR WEBSITE, PHONE 0808 802 1221 AND EMAIL INFO@THT.ORG.UK
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
