Our Stories Told By Us

Celebrating the African contribution to the UK HIV response

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Co-authors: Charity Nyirenda, Rebecca Mbewe, Winnie Ssanyu Sseruma, Memory Sachikonye and Angelina Namiba

Photo: Sokari Higgwe – London Lighthouse Gallery & Studio

The Book

‘There are plenty of HIV epidemiological data on African communities in the UK and most of it makes for challenging reading, showing that there is still a lot of work to do. But improvements also continue, thanks to people from African communities, allies, health personnel and support from the government and charity sectors. What this book aims to reflect on are the individual stories of recovery, resilience and leadership in the HIV response in the UK – stories we don’t normally read about. This is the first book of its kind to explore the contribution African individuals and communities have made to the fight against HIV. In this important period of reflection on over 40 years of the UK’s HIV response, we felt it was critical to tell these stories. Above all else, it was pivotal for Africans living with HIV to lead this project and to tell our own stories in our own words. If not now, then when? If not us, then who?’

Angelina Namiba, Charity Nyirenda, Memory Sachikonye, Rebecca Mbewe & Winnie Ssanyu Sseruma

Our Stories Told By Us, Co-authors

Explore The Book

Includes Foreword by Winnie Byanyima

Angelina Namiba writes,

“We still don’t have a pill to treat stigma”.

But I say to her and her fellow co-authors, Charity Nyirenda, Memory Sachikonye, Rebecca Mbewe and Winnie Ssanyu Sseruma – we may not have a pill to treat stigma. But you have given us the gift of this book. The first of its kind to showcase the voices, lives, and leadership of Africans living with HIV in the UK, it will go a long way to combating stigma and discrimination.