Aidsmap, also known as NAM aidsmap, was a website which published independent, accurate and accessible information and news about HIV and AIDS.[1][2][3][4] The aidsmap website was run by a charity based in the United Kingdom, NAM.[1] The site closed in July 2024 due to challenges securing funding.[5]
"NAM" originally stood for "national AIDS manual" and referred to a 1987 compendium of all information about HIV published for non-scientists in England.[6][7][2][8] Since aidsmap became an international organisation,[3] NAM was no longer used as an acronym and there was no longer any particular "aids manual" being maintained.[9][10][2]
NAM aidsmap's vision was of a world where HIV is no longer a threat to health or happiness.
Timeline of work
NAM was founded in 1987[2] by Peter Scott,[6][11] who was then working for the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard. He was seeking to address the public's demand for a source of information about HIV.[12]
Subsequent Directors were Will Anderson (to 1996),[13] Colin Nee (1996–2001),[13][14] Caspar Thomson (2001–2016)[15][13] and Matthew Hodson (2016–2024).[15][16][17]
In 1992 the organisation began publishing the newsletter now called the HIV Treatment Update,[18] which was designed to give patients the information they need to help direct their choices for HIV treatment.[12][19][20][21]
In 1998 aidsmap.com was launched as an online resource[2][22][23] for all printed materials. It was a partnership project involving NAM and The British HIV Association,[23][22][24] and later the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. The original site editors were Edward King[25] and Keith Alcorn.[26] From 2018 to 2024, the editor was Roger Pebody.[27]
In 2006 aidsmap.com was awarded first prize in the Patient Information Website category of the 2006 British Medical Association’s (BMA) Medical Books Competition.[28]
In 2019, NAM aidsmap launched its new aidsmap website after a major redevelopment project.[29]
In December 2019, aidsmapLIVE, an HIV information series broadcast on NAM's social media channels, won both the Innovation and Media award at the nOscars, hosted by Naz Project London.[30][31]
In 2024, NAM, the organisation publishing aidsmap, faced a funding crisis and was forced to close.[32] In response, Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of the United Nations joint AIDS programme UNAIDS paid tribute to the organisation's work. “You have been a trusted source and resource for people living with HIV and everyone in the global HIV response. You leave an exceptional legacy.” Byanyima said.[33]
The International AIDS Society also stated that the closure of the service would leave a significant void: “NAM has consistently delivered unparalleled commentary and coverage of critical HIV-related news. It is now more imperative than ever for all stakeholders in the HIV response to intensify our efforts to fill this significant void.” they said.[34]
