Introducing Brian, a dedicated advocate from Edinburgh, Scotland, who has been living with HIV since 1984. Brian West has been an influential member of the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) since 2008, contributing six years on its Board of Directors.

As the lead project worker for EATG on EmERGE, a European Commission-funded Mhealth project, Brian was pivotal in advancing HIV care through mobile health technology. He is currently the Chair of the Partners in Science program, promoting collaboration between scientists and the community.

Brian’s dedication extends to his five-year service on the Board of AIDS Action Europe and his previous role on the Board of the European Patients Forum, where he represented the EATG until April this year. His academic achievements include a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Development and Health from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

With nearly 40 years of experience living with HIV, Brian’s commitment to HIV/AIDS activism began in 1986. He has a profound history with Waverley Care, Scotland’s largest NGO provider of services for people living with HIV and Hepatitis C. Starting as a service user in 1996, Brian worked there for four years and later served on the Trustees Board for over a decade.

Brian also contributed to HIV policy in Scotland as a member of the Board of Directors of HIV Scotland. His advocacy includes community submissions to the Scottish Medicines Consortium, the HTA agency responsible for approving drugs for NHS Scotland. Additionally, Brian is a member of the UK Community Advisory Board (UKCAB).

Brian’s extensive experience and tireless dedication to improving the lives of those living with HIV make him a respected and influentia