The advent of HIV/Aids in the early 1980s saw a great deal of hysterical, stigmatising journalism. Andrew Veitch stood out then, and subsequently, as the most responsible writer and observer of the unfolding epidemic. As professor of sexually transmitted infections at the Middlesex hospital and medical school, I spoke to him frequently and trusted him completely. Andrew took great trouble to understand the scientific, medical and social consequences of HIV/Aids, for which we opened the first ward in the UK, and was always well prepared. He knew what he wanted, and could be mischievous, but I never refused his calls. An ally to the gay and medical communities, in helping to educate the public about the issues he showed his belief in honest journalism.
