Living with HIVIf you are living with HIV, your life can seem more complex than before and you may face all kinds of day-to-day problems. We can help you navigate your way through them. |  |
About HaemophiliaWhat is Haemophilia and how would it effect me? |  |
_
Medical infectionsHow some Haemophiliacs became infected with HIV and Hepatitis C. |  |
_
Support and informationWho's there to help, support and advise you. |  |
_
The Current Independent Public Inquiry
"To investigate the circumstances surrounding the supply to patients of contaminated NHS blood and blood products; its consequences for the haemophilia community and others afflicted; and suggest further steps to address both their problems and needs and those of bereaved families”.
The Rt Hon Lord Archer of Sandwell QC
You can find out more about the contaminated blood and blood products enquiry here.
What's the link between Haemophilia and HIV?
Haemophilia affects the process in the body which enables blood to clot. Synthetic treatments are now available, but for many years treatments were made from pooled donated blood. Before screening and heat treatment was introduced, blood infected with HIV and Hepatitis C could pass on the viruses to haemophiliacs using these treatments.
In the UK, more than 4800 haemophiliacs were infected with Hepatitis C and 1200 of those were also infected with HIV. Many of them were unaware of their conditions and unwittingly passed on the infections to their partners and children.
The Macfarlane Trust was set up to give social and financial assistance to haemophiliacs infected in this way. It administers the recompense payments and the hardship fund set up by the government.
We're working in partnership with the Macfarlane Trust, offering our expertise in advising people living with HIV to their registrants. If you're a Macfarlane Trust registrant, please contact them for more details.
For information on other services provided by the Terrence Higgins Trust or for information, advice and support call THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200.
Copyright 2010 © Terrence Higgins Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (reg. no. 288527) Company reg. no. 1778149 and a registered charity in Scotland (reg. no. SC039986)