Wednesday 12 June 2024

In 2024 BHIVA celebrated people working in the HIV sector who go that extra mile with a new award for “Unsung Heroes.” Eleven winners from different professions and different parts of the country were nominated by work colleagues. They include a clinician, HIV specialist nurses, a sexual health advisor, pharmacist, administrator & HIV advocate, researchers, a peer support worker and a social care manager.

From Coventry & Warwickshire, Lincoln, Oxford, several London centres and Nottingham, they each contribute to the wellbeing of people living with HIV. Together they deliver that extra level of service that the HIV specialism has become famous for, enabling their patients to thrive. Winners were announced and received their awards at the Spring 2024 BHIVA conference.

The people who nominated them say that they are exceptional because they have a “just do it” attitude, work tirelessly, support colleagues, fight stigma and yet are unassuming and humble. When asked what inspires them, they say it is people living with HIV - their patients - as it is a privilege to work with them, and to have the opportunity to make a difference, helping them to take control of their treatment and to advocate with and for them.

BHIVA is delighted to be able to recognise their efforts. The 2024 Unsung Heroes Award winners are:

Jah Amadu
Clinic Manager, Alexander Pringle Centre, North Middlesex University Hospital

Nicki Doyle
Project Manager Clinical Research, Imperial College, London

Rebecca Mbewe
Assistant Researcher SHARE Collaborative, Co-Director 4M Mentor Mothers Network

Leanne McMaster
Social Care Manager, Positive Health, Lincoln

Louise Meeson
Sexual Health Nurse at Nottingham University Hospital

Dr Sarah Mensforth
Consultant at Integrated Sexual Health and HIV services, Coventry & Warwickshire Sexual Health Hub, HCRG Care group

John Phelan
Specialist Pharmacist, HIV & Sexual Health, Caldecot Centre, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Memory Sachikonye
Administrator UK-CAB, Finance Lead Positively UK, EATG Member

Sophie Strachan
CEO Sophia Forum and Sexual Health Adviser, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Helen Webb
CNS at St George’s Hospital London

Charlotte (Charlie) Wells
HIV Specialist Nurse, Oxford University Hospital

Details of how to nominate a colleague for the 2025 Unsung Heroes Award, and, will be announced early in the New Year.

For further information please contact [email protected] or [email protected].