The Our Stories team attended a World AIDS Day event held at 10 Downing Street on 28th November 2024. The event brought together organisations and community members who have been on the frontlines of the UK’s HIV response including THT, NAT, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Positive East and STOPAIDS as well as government officials Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting.
Members of the Our Stories Team at 10 Downing Street
Memory’s Keynote
In her speech, Our Stories Told By Us co-author and HIV advocate Memory Sachikonye shared her experience of living with HIV and the broader vision of the team, that the stories of African communities must be told by those who live them.
“We are not just case studies or statistics,” she said. “We are people with names, with families, with voices—and we are here to be heard.”
Memory advocated for meaningful action toward the UK’s commitment to achieving zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030, as well as culturally appropriate support services, continued investment in community-led initiatives, and equity in healthcare access.
Picture by Tim Hammond / No 10 Downing Street
A Private Audience
Co-authors; Memory Sachikonye and Angelina Namiba, were among a small group of people living with HIV, who had a private audience with the Prime Minister.
Picture by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street
The Prime Minister’s Pledge
Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed the government’s continued commitment to the goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030. He announced new funding, including £27 million for emergency department opt-out testing and £37 million for international HIV/AIDS efforts.
Picture by Tim Hammond / No 10 Downing Street