Memory Sachikonye

Memory Sachikonye has been living with HIV since 2002. She coordinates the UK Community Advisory Board (UK-CAB); a network of HIV treatment advocates from across the UK with over 800 members and 120 organisations.

UK-CAB is a unique on-going project that was set up in 2002 to enable HIV treatment advocates to better understand the science and research involved in ART medication options, treatment and care.  In this role, she supported the setting up of the African Community Advisory Board (AfroCAB).

Memory works part time as the Admin and Finance Lead at Positively UK. She is a peer mentor and advocates for women’s rights to services and access to treatment.

Positively UK is a national organisation which aims to protect the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV by providing tailored peer support, promoting positive attitudes and equitable access to health for people living with HIV. Positively UK advances education and research about health, particularly in relation to HIV.

We campaign against HIV discrimination, increasing the involvement, voice and visibility of people living with HIV in all aspects of life. Positively UK provides peer-led support, advocacy and information to everyone living with HIV to effectively manage any aspect of their diagnosis, care and life with HIV. We believe that people living with HIV are best placed to advocate for their own needs.

Memory is the community representative on the POPPY study – the first large-scale study to assess clinical outcomes of people living with HIV over the age of 50 in England and Ireland.

Memory has had other various community representative roles on HIV studies steering and management committees. The community representative role includes input into the design and management of clinical trials.

Memory is a member of the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG). She is a member of EATG’s Development and Membership Advisory Group (DMAG).