HIV update

HIV Weekly - 8th April 2009

A round-up of the latest HIV news, for people living with HIV in the UK and beyond.

HIV news from UK conference

Most of the news in this edition of HIV Weekly comes from the annual conference of the British HIV Association (BHIVA). This provides an opportunity for those working in HIV from across the UK to gather and discuss the latest developments in HIV treatment, care and prevention.

HIV care

HIV and illness

HIV and sexual health

HIV and the law

A court in Canada has found an HIV-positive man guilty of murder after two women he ‘recklessly’ transmitted the virus to died.

It’s the first time that someone has been convicted of murder for passing on HIV.

You can find out more about HIV transmission and criminalisation here.

A new service for Londoners with HIV

Here at NAM we know the important role written information plays in supporting people living with HIV to take decisions about their treatment and care.

Evidence suggests that the more people are involved in decisions about their treatment, the better their health and wellbeing. 

Since 1987 NAM has specialised in providing written information, such as these email newsletters, patient information booklets, HIV Treatment Update, and online resources like our websites, aidsmap.com and NAMlife.org.

Sometimes, though, there’s nothing that can beat a face-to-face discussion. 

Now, across the capital, there is a new free service providing just that:  the HIV Health Support Service.   

NAM has teamed up with the Terrence Higgins Trust to offer free one-to-one information and advice sessions about any aspect of HIV treatment and health. A Health Trainer is now available, near you, to offer you face-to-face, telephone or online support to help you improve your health and to live well with HIV. 

Perhaps there are questions you have always wanted to ask your healthcare team but didn’t get the chance to? Or treatment and health issues you have never quite understood?  Or maybe there have been topics you have read about in HTU you would like to know more about? Or services you would like to use but don’t know how? If so, a Health Trainer can help.

The HIV Health Support Service can be reached via THT Direct. Please call 0845 12 21 200 and ask to see a health trainer. Alternatively, you can use the online service at www.tht.org.uk/askthetrainer.