The Experience of Women with HIV in the UK

PARTERNASHIP TO IMPROVE

25-28 September 2004, Poland

Angelina NamibaDirect Services Manager

The only national charity providing support

for women living with HIV

by women living with HIV

History

Started 1987

By HIV+ women

Issues for women living with HIV

•Stigma and Discrimination

•Relationships

•Reproductive issues

•Children

•Disclosure

•Treatments

• Late Presentation/ lack of access

•Other Social issues

1-2-1 Direct Support

National Helpline

One to one sessions

Outreach at clinics, hospitals and prisons

Group Support

Group support and workshops

Treatment advice and road shows

Drugs and alcohol group

Volunteering and

Traineeships

Volunteer work placements

Personal development

Vocational training

Part of the Positive Futures Partnership

Taking Part

Ensure the voice of women living with HIV is heard

Training and mentoring to take part in decision-making at local and national levels:

Public Patient Involvement Forums

Testimonies to Parliament

Peer Support ProcessFrom Isolation to Involvement

1-2-1Support Group

Volunteering Taking Part

Long Term goal: creating a society where an HIV diagnosis is not aggravated by huge stigma and discrimination

Summary

• Diversity of women living with HIV

• Complex choices: Reproductive Issues , treatment, relationships, disclosure

• Other Social issues

• Stigma and discrimination

Conclusions

• In the era of ARV therapy women living with HIV in the UK still have to face very complex choices.

• Support by women with HIV for women with HIV is still vital in improving health and quality of life.

• Through peer support women living with HIV in the UK have developed essential skills to become involved in influencing policy and actively challenge stigma and discrimination.

What really happens …..

When positive women get together…