Introducing Memory, an extraordinary woman originally from Zimbabwe who travelled to London in 2001 to attend a relative’s wedding. Shortly after the event, she experienced flu-like symptoms. Following her aunt’s advice, who is a nurse, Memory underwent HIV testing and received a positive result within twenty-four hours.

Medical professionals promptly initiated HIV treatment, which initially involved large tablets that Memory struggled to ingest, later switching to an equally distasteful liquid suspension. Diagnosed with both HIV and AIDS due to a critically low CD4 count of 6, she began a regimen of highly active antiretroviral therapy, which successfully rebuilt her immune system to an undetectable level, where it remains today.

Currently, Memory holds a part-time position as the Admin and Finance Lead at Positively UK. She is also a peer mentor and a fervent advocate for women’s rights to healthcare services and treatment access. Her extensive community involvement includes serving on various HIV study steering and management committees, where she contributes to designing and overseeing clinical trials.

Memory began her journey with Positively Women (PW) in 2002 as a volunteer and has since held numerous roles, including PozFem regional coordinator, PW magazine editorial team member, and participant in the Taking Part Project. Additionally, she coordinates the UK Community Advisory Board (UK-CAB) for HIV i-Base, a network of HIV treatment advocates.

Memory is a seasoned public speaker and a dedicated advocate for asylum seekers. She focuses particularly on women’s rights to healthcare services and treatment access. She is a member of the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) and serves on EATG’s Development and Membership Advisory Group (DMAG).

When asked if she had ever experienced stigma, Memory recalled an incident with a Urology consultant who questioned how she contracted HIV. Memory remained silent, and when the doctor asked again, she politely responded, “I am here for something else, not to discuss my HIV as it is very much under control and well taken care of.” The doctor became tongue-tied and did not respond further.

Memory’s story is one of resilience and dedication, transforming personal adversity into powerful advocacy and support for others living with HIV.