Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - June 19, 2009
The protesters say they want the government to take responsibility for a "scandal" over contaminated blood.
They say at least 2,000 people have died since they were given infected NHS blood 20 years ago.
They are calling for an independent inquiry, and want MP and Secretary of State Andy Burnham to take action.
Contaminated blood
Many members of the Haemophiliac Society UK say there has not been enough government recognition of or compensation for their situation.
The patients were infected with the contaminated blood in the mid-1980s when they were given Factor VIII - a part of the blood that makes sure it clots.
Dozens of protestors, some of whom are seriously ill with Aids and Hepatitis C, arrived at Mr Burnham's office in Leigh from around the country.
Haemophiliac David Fielding, 55, who is terminally ill with Hepatitis C, is among those highlighting the issue.
His brother, who was also a haemophiliac, died from Aids five years after he was infected with the disease in 1985.
Mr Fielding, a father-of three, said: "A whole chapter of my family's life was taken away when we were diagnosed with these two diseases.
'Terrible' experience
"From the day my brother was told he had HIV he told no one. We only discovered that he battled with the the killer illness after he died.
"What happened to me, him, thousands of us is terrible and we want the government to reform their policy.
"Luckily my children were not born with the disease but they are carriers so unfortunately my grandson has just recently been diagnosed with it.
"We are fighting to make sure this never happens again."
A report by Lord Peter Archer investigated the supply of the contaminated NHS blood and looked at the impact on the victims and their families.
The report, released in February, called for victims to receive further compensation and criticised the government's delays in responding.
A Department of Health spokesman was not available for comment about Friday's protests.
090619
BB090613
Copyright © 2009 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.