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HIV support charity to close after 37 years amid rising costs and funding challenges

By Joe Lepper

An HIV support charity that launched 37 years ago is to close this month amid rising costs and difficulty securing funding.

NAM aidsmap was founded by volunteers at London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard in 1987 to give information to those impacted by HIV and AIDS at a time when “there was very little reliable information”.

But after struggling to keep the charity running amid rising costs and funding challenges its board has decided to close its doors this month.

“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,” said the charity in a statement.

“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.”

Its statement added: “We are incredibly proud of the millions we've reached worldwide and the grassroots ingenuity and commitment of our team and partners.

“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.”



The charity is one of several that have closed this year citing concerns around rising costs and funding challenges.

This has included the closure of 75-year-old charity British Youth Council in March due to financial challenges.

Wales based charity The Care Collective closed in the same month citing “long standing financial challenges”.

In June Cancer Support Scotland announced its closure after 40 years due to “a combination of rising costs, challenging operating conditions and a reduction in fundraising income over the last few years”.


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