Sharing the stories of the HIV Long-Term Survivors
Sharing the stories of the HIV Long-Term Survivors
HIV-Those Who Stayed Behind is a self-led research project to tell the stories of the HLTS – HIV Long-Term Survivors, which are often overlooked in the dominant discussions about HIV. Personal life stories about those diagnosed with Aids during the early epidemic stages and how they lived their lives, having to deal with stigma and the many changes and uncertainties over the years.
Changes, such as the development of new medications and treatments to the present day, as well as life expectancy projections, have now been considered part of the long-term illness cohort.
Stories about love, medically related issues, struggles and above all, their journey.
Because every human being is unique and has their own story to tell.

It also aims to further educate audiences about the often-hidden side of many HIV-positive individuals, who must navigate everyday life, keep going and be grateful to be still alive, who live with the virus and its stigma for decades, bringing the past and the new generation's experiences together.
Their stories can help many people understand the advances in treatments and the condition, while also offering a positive contribution to their lives through a better understanding of the journeys others have experienced.
While in the UK, we are focused on the undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) campaigns, aiming to eradicate the virus by 2030, many countries still lack access to basic knowledge and treatment.
There is no better time to bring those stories into the conversation than now, when so many changes are happening in the international support landscape, and many patients are risking losing their treatments altogether.
You can support this project by donating below or enquiring about how to become a partner.
Your contribution can help maintain the website, provide refreshments for the interviews, and offer other kinds of support to the participants.

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