City bus with a special message

The first bus promoting HIV treatment
Copyright Tony Mould - My Brighton and Hove
The first bus promoting HIV treatment
Copyright Tony Mould - My Brighton and Hove
Promoting HIV treatment
Copyright Tony Mould - My Brighton and Hove
The first bus promoting HIV treatment
Copyright Tony Mould - My Brighton and Hove
Copyright Tony Mould - My Brighton and Hove

Brighton & Hove Buses, the city’s Martin Fisher Foundation and local illustrator Daniel Locke worked together to design and wrap a bus to encourage people to have an HIV test and get treatment if they need it, while tackling some of the myths and stigma that still surround HIV. The bus is named after Professor Martin Fisher, an outstanding international leader in the field of HIV research and patient care, who built a world-class service in Brighton and was widely loved and respected. Martin sadly died in 2015.

Positive messages seen daily

The panels inside the bus talk about Martin’s life, recent advances in HIV treatment and the Foundation’s campaign to boost HIV testing rates and decrease stigma. The bus is emblazoned with purple Queen of the Night tulips, Martin’s favourite flower. Martin Fisher Foundation Trustee Dr Gill Dean said: “This bus will ensure positive messages about HIV are seen by all, every day throughout Brighton & Hove. This bus is an eye-catching public message with the aim of eliminating the stigma surrounding people living with HIV, as well as encouraging people to get tested. What we really want to get across to people is that HIV isn’t scary anymore!”

Nobody should feel alone with HIV

Brighton & Hove Buses’ Managing Director Martin Harris said: “This new bus is a testament to Professor Martin Fisher’s amazing determination and his incredible success in transforming patient care for people living with HIV. I know the people he helped remember him as someone that kept on fighting for them, even when they were too exhausted to fight for themselves. We’re proud to be part of the Martin Fisher Foundation’s campaign to encourage people to get tested, get treated and live well. Nobody should feel marginalised or alone with HIV.”

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.