World Pharmacists Day: From survival to thriving, the evolving role of pharmacists in HIV care

By Vanessa Burton (pictured), Lead Specialist Clinical Pharmacist for HIV and Sexual Health, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Thanks to major advances in HIV treatment, people living with HIV can now expect to live long, healthy lives. On World Pharmacists Day, it's an opportunity to reflect on how far HIV care has come and the important role pharmacists continue to play in supporting patients.

When HIV first emerged in the 1980s, treatment options were extremely limited. Care focused mainly on managing symptoms and serious infections associated with a weakened immune system. The first antiretroviral drug, AZT, became available in 1987, marking the beginning of a new era in HIV treatment.

Today, modern antiretroviral therapy is highly effective, allowing most people living with HIV to achieve viral suppression. This means the virus cannot be passed on. Treatment may involve just one tablet a day, while some people can choose long-acting injectable treatments.

Pharmacists are central to this success. We help people start treatment, support changes to medication, manage side effects and drug interactions, and work with patients to overcome any barriers to taking their medicines consistently.

Alongside treatment, preventative options such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are helping us move closer to the NHS ambition of ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030. Regular testing also remains vital, helping people know their status and access support as early as possible.

Supporting healthy ageing

When I joined the NHS 20 years ago, much of my role focused on helping people survive a life-threatening condition. Today, thanks to effective treatment, HIV is often managed as a long-term health condition.

As a result, the focus of care has evolved. Many people living with HIV are now managing age-related conditions such as:

• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• osteoporosis
• kidney disease
• mental health concerns.

Pharmacists work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals to make sure treatments remain safe and effective as healthcare needs become more complex.

As healthcare professionals, it is important that we provide person-centred care and continue to challenge outdated attitudes. Although treatment outcomes have improved enormously, stigma remains a significant issue. No one should face discrimination because they are living with HIV. Care should always be based on evidence and not outdated misconceptions.

HIV in the UK today

Recent figures show encouraging progress:

• around 107,000 people are living with HIV in the UK
• 94 per cent know their HIV status
• 98 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV are receiving treatment
• 97 per cent of those on treatment are virally suppressed and cannot pass the virus on.

Looking ahead

We all have a role to play in helping people living with HIV live well and age well.

You can help by:

• learning the facts about HIV and challenging stigma
• Order a free self-sampling kit from www.sh.uk – delivered in plain packaging.
• Book an appointment at a sexual health clinic.