During National HIV Testing Week 2024, which coincided with the Six Nations, Gareth Thomas took part in powerful panel discussion on the importance of HIV testing and overcoming stigma.

To raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing, Gareth was joined by an inspiring group of people, including Richard Angell, CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust; former England rugby player Nolli Waterman; Dr. Nneka Nwokolo, leading HIV clinician; and Sarah Mulindwa, sexual health nurse and TV presenter.

The panel discussed the challenges and misconceptions surrounding HIV, focusing on how stigma can prevent individuals from seeking testing and treatment. They explored ways we can enhance accessibility and confidentiality in HIV testing, such as home testing kits, as well as discussing what living with HIV is like today. Thanks to the advances in HIV treatment and care, people living with HIV have a normal life expectancy and on effective treatment cannot pass HIV onto sexual partners. The discussion featured personal stories and insights, highlighting how community support, education, and open dialogue are key to changing attitudes toward HIV.

Gareth Thomas is joined by World Champion swimmer Mark Foster. Mark competed at the highest level for Great Britain at five different Olympics, World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games. He now has a very successful career as a commentator, TV personality, public speaker, and charity campaigner. In this episode, we discuss the stigma around homosexuality in sport and society, with Gareth and Mark discussing their experiences and the importance of changing public perceptions to make stigma a thing of the past. Please get in touch with your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or checking us out on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Episode 7 - Tackling Stigma with Lina Nielsen

Gareth Thomas is joined by professional athlete Lina Nielsen. Lina competes at the highest level for Great Britain in the 400m hurdles, being the European under 20s champion, and is currently ranked in the world’s top 20, whilst living and competing with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, Lina and Gareth discuss fighting public perceptions of both MS and HIV, the importance of talking openly and of being role models and their shared experiences of stigma.

We hope you enjoy this next episode, the seventh in our series looking at how together we can tackle stigma, misunderstanding & discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV. Please get in touch with your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or checking us out on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.