“I was informed that I had contracted a virus with no available treatment and was given a prognosis of three to nine months to live.”

HIV activist Jonathan Blake believes he may have been one of the initial individuals diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Britain at the age of 33.

“I received my diagnosis in October 1982 at the Middlesex Hospital. It was an incredibly convoluted experience.”

His diagnosis occurred so early in the UK’s AIDS epidemic that he was designated as Patient L1 at the hospital, and his narrative was depicted in the 2014 film “Pride.”

Reflecting on the early days post-diagnosis, he recounted to BBC London that “each and every lymph node in my body had become inflamed.”

Follow-up tests kept him in a separate ward for two days.

Now 76, Jonathan recalled that doctors told him he would receive “palliative care when the time is right,” which prompted him to think, “I’m only 33, do I really want to be discussing palliative care right now?”

He remarked, “I have been coexisting with this virus, simply trying to get through each day. I never considered I would have a future; it has always been an ongoing presence in my life.”

HIV is a virus that compromises the immune system by damaging its cells, reducing the body’s ability to fend off common infections and diseases.

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refers to the collection of potentially life-threatening infections and conditions that arise when the immune system is critically impaired by HIV.

Although AIDS itself cannot be transmitted, the HIV virus can be.

“It wasn’t until 2015, when they introduced the concept of ‘U = U,’ or ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable,’ that I felt liberated from being perceived as a pariah with poisonous blood capable of causing infection,” Jonathan explained.

This term signifies that individuals with an undetectable viral load cannot sexually pass HIV to others.

According to the Terrence Higgins Trust, by 1999, 33 million people were living with HIV globally, while the World Health Report ranked AIDS as the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, two decades after the onset of the epidemic.

The National AIDS Trust noted that 2023 marked the highest number of people receiving care for HIV, with 107,949 individuals treated, reflecting a 27% increase over the past decade.

Jonathan commented, “HIV has become a largely forgotten epidemic. It’s seldom discussed, although it is incredibly important to do so.”

He also noted, “Thanks to the remarkable NHS, I have had access to effective medication, and I am truly fortunate for that.”

“The most crucial step is to know your status; be courageous and get tested.”

“The advancements being made are remarkable—despite the absence of a cure,” he added.

“I’m living proof of that.”

Jonathan was present for the launch of the report titled “Getting to Zero by 2030: HIV in London” at the planned site of the future HIV/AIDS Memorial in Fitzrovia.

In 2018, the mayor of London, along with London Councils, Public Health England, and NHS England, endorsed the Fast-Track Cities Declaration aimed at achieving zero new HIV infections, zero related stigma, and zero HIV-related fatalities by the year 2030.

The report from the London Assembly Health Committee indicated that even though attitudes towards HIV have improved, stigma related to the virus remains widespread in London and the UK.

Historically, London has experienced higher rates of HIV compared to the rest of the UK, yet the Assembly affirmed that the city is at the forefront globally in efforts to eliminate new HIV cases and is recognized as a leading international example through its prevention and treatment initiatives.

The Assembly also stated that “concerted efforts” are essential to enhance testing, improve access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), ensure that all individuals with HIV have the care they need, and reach communities currently underserved.

The report included several recommendations:

Krupesh Hirani, Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, remarked that London is “still a long way off” from achieving its 2030 objectives.

“After several years of yearly declines in new HIV diagnoses, we have seen an uptick in cases in London and England since 2020. We would like to see the mayor take additional measures,” he stated.

A representative for the mayor noted that Sadiq Khan would respond to the Assembly’s report in due time.

They added, “The current government has pledged to develop a new HIV action plan, and the mayor is keen to collaborate closely with ministers to eradicate HIV cases by 2030, as we work towards a more equitable and healthier London for all.”

In December 2023, the mayor announced a funding allocation of £130,000 from the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm for the establishment of a permanent HIV and AIDS memorial in London.

Aids Memory UK, the organization driving the project, indicated that the memorial is set to be unveiled at the end of 2027, with the design taking the form of a fallen tree.

Mzz Kimberley, known as Kim Tatum, an ambassador for Aids Memorial UK, stated, “The memorial will be a space for reflection, education, peace, and conversation.”

“This will honor the lives lost and highlight the injustices faced by so many.”

Jonathan expressed the significance of the memorial to him, stating it would help “foster a sense of community—I am immensely proud to be a part of the HIV community.”

“I’ve lost numerous friends—some quite early on, and others more recently, and the pain lingers.”