UK News

The 14th Annual BHIVA conference in took place in April in Belfast

‘BHIVA Diva’s
swan song’

Professor Margaret Johnson, of London’s Royal Free Hospital, stepped down after four years as chair of the British HIV Association (BHIVA) at the 14th annual conference in Belfast in April.

Professor Johnson, dubbed ‘BHIVA Diva’ as Positive Nation Magazine cover star in 2005, is succeeded by Dr Ian Williams, of London’s Mortimer Market Clinic and University College Hospital.

Over 700 delegates attended the conference held at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, up vastly from the 98 who attended 14 years ago.

Dr Ed Wilkins, of North Manchester General Hospital and BHIVA Treasurer, said Professor Johnson had shown dynamic leadership as well as wisdom and foresight in her time as BHIVA chair and worked tirelessly, selflessly and passionately for BHIVA and its members.
Dr Williams said BHIVA had advanced under Professor Johnson’s chairmanship.

“It’s rather a daunting task to have to follow on but I will do my best,” he said.

Dialogue between BHIVA and the HIV positive community will be very important during his chairmanship, Dr Williams said.

“We are a society that looks after and it trying to improve the care of people with HIV and having an open and fruitful dialogue with the community is terribly important.”

www.bhiva.org

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