NAM aidsmap Charity Partnership

LloydsPharmacy are pleased to announce our partnership with the charity NAM aidsmap. NAM aidsmap believe that accurate, independent information will help individuals and communities protect themselves and care for others in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

What do NAM aidsmap do?

Founded in 1987, NAM aidsmap produce trustworthy information that is readily and freely available, to keep the world informed about HIV and AIDS.  They help individuals who have been affected by HIV to understand their health and their options. They debunk myths and share the latest best practices and evidence.

AidsmapCHAT

LloydsPharmacy are sponsoring the latest series of aidsmapCHAT, their broadcast for people living with HIV, including sole sponsorship of their Pride special, due to be released on 28^th June 2021. Hosted by members of the NAM Aaidsmap team, aidsmapCHAT is joined by special guests each week.

About HIV

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.  It is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome and is the name used to describe life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been affected by HIV.

The 5^th June 2021 marks the 40^th anniversary since the first reported case, since then there has been advancements in research and the development of effective antiretroviral therapy.

HIV can be passed from person to person, but AIDS can’t. Although there’s currently no cure for HIV there are effective treatments that enable people with the virus to lead a long and healthy life. When people with HIV are on effective treatment, they can no longer pass the virus on to their sexual partners.  

NAM aidsmap have comprehensive resources available, including information for those recently diagnosed with HIV, fact-sheets about the range of HIV treatments, and information about transmission and prevention.

Matthew Hodson

Matthew Hodson, Executive Director of NAM aidsmap and co-host of aidsmapCHAT says, “Someone who has been diagnosed with HIV should now be able to enjoy a similar life-expectancy to someone who is uninfected. However the stigma that still surrounds this infection prevents people from getting tested and accessing the treatment that saves lives. aidsmapCHAT provides us with an opportunity to share up to date and accurate information about how HIV is now, including our lived experience of it, to shatter myths and banish unwarranted fears.

We are thrilled to partner with LloydsPharmacy on aidsmapCHAT. We share the belief that people who are well informed, well equipped and empowered in their decision making have the best chances of living long and fulfilling lives.”

HIV testing

If you think you have been exposed to HIV LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor have an at-home HIV test. The HIV blood test is unlikely to detect HIV if you have contracted it in the last 4 weeks, however if you are worried about a specific risk within 4 weeks you should still do the test and repeat it again 4 weeks after exposure.