NAM aidsmap has announced it is set to close after 37 years as its trustees “do not see a sustainable path forward”.
Last month, the charity announced its executive director, Matthew Hodson, would be stepping down after eight years.
Helen Moulinos continued as interim executive director, leading a staff of eight.
A statement from the charity reads: “With heavy hearts, we announce the proposed closure of our beloved charity, NAM aidsmap, this month.
“After 37 years of pioneering health journalism, community engagement, and empowerment through information, we will cease operations this summer.
“We are incredibly proud of the millions we've reached worldwide and the grassroots ingenuity and commitment of our team and partners.”
‘Increasingly difficult for us to secure funding’
The charity said that the HIV sector faces numerous challenges and uncertainties.
“With broader access to prevention and treatment, and more widely accessible information, it has become increasingly difficult for us to secure funding amidst rising costs,” its statement reads.
“Regrettably, the board of trustees has made the difficult decision to propose to close aidsmap in July. Despite exploring alternatives, we do not see a sustainable path forward.
“We must make this decision while still solvent to ensure a respectful and orderly wind-up for our staff, freelancers, partners, funders, beneficiaries, and suppliers.”
Data filed with the Charity Commission shows income at aidsmap was £764,000 for the financial year ending 31 December 2022, and expenditure was £746,000.
‘We have made a difference’
NAM was founded by volunteers at London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard in 1987, “at a time when there was no effective treatment for HIV, when AIDS hysteria was widespread and there was very little reliable information”.
Its statement continues: “aidsmap has remained a source for accurate and reliable HIV information over the years, covering key scientific events and making information about treatment, prevention and support accessible to wider audiences.
“aidsmap has supported people with HIV to access and engage with healthcare and the lifesaving medication that is now available; we have advocated for PrEP and have been a key player in endorsing and disseminating the knowledge that effective HIV treatment means no risk of sexual transmission (aka UequalsU).
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our vision for a world where HIV is no longer a threat to health or happiness. Together, we have made a difference.”
Related Articles
