HIV charity says the drug cost of treating one new HIV diagnosis would fund three years of its prevention, campaigning and support work Positive Life NI, Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV charity, has been denied Core Grant funding by the Department of Health, placing the future of its specialist services at risk. The funding decision threatens both those living with …
Sexual Health Week: 10-16 February 2025
Time to talk about HIV to break myths and banish outdated attitudes. Research shows half of GPs are not up to date with HIV information The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week (10-16 February) is Open Conversations and it aims to inspire meaningful discussions to eliminate stigma, empower people to make informed choices, and promote healthy relationships. When it …
HIV workplace education is vital to Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Ahead of World AIDS Day on 1st December, we are inviting employers to book one of our workplace education sessions to spread awareness of the facts around HIV – and most importantly, to help break the stigma. In an era in which businesses are going the extra mile to hit targets on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), HIV education is …
Our year as the Lord Mayor of Belfast Charity
By Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive, Positive Life. In May 2021 I received a phone call from our good friend and long-term supporter Kate Nicholl telling me she had been selected by her party colleagues to be the next Lord Mayor of Belfast and that she wanted Positive Life to be one of her mayoral charities. To be given the opportunity …
HIV Testing in the UK
A few thoughts on the latest report on Testing in the UK By Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive, Positive Life. This morning, the Westminster All-Party Parliamentary Group on HIV and AIDS published a report following its inquiry into testing in the UK. The report is the result of consultation with 36 different organisations and individuals from each of the four UK …
New cases are down, but stigma remains the underlying challenge this World AIDS Day
The latest statistics for HIV in Northern Ireland are in and its really encouraging news. There has been a noticeable decrease in the number of new cases for the 2019-year, some fantastic news to cap a tricky year for HIV support services. During 2019, there were 52 new diagnoses of HIV in NI, down from 84 recorded the previous year. …