[5] "NAM" originally stood for "national AIDS manual" and referred to a 1987 compendium of all information about HIV published for non-scientists in England.

[9][10][2] NAM aidsmap's vision was of a world where HIV is no longer a threat to health or happiness.

It was a partnership project involving NAM and The British HIV Association,[23][22][24] and later the International HIV/AIDS Alliance.

[32] In response, Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of the United Nations joint AIDS programme UNAIDS paid tribute to the organisation's work.

[33] The International AIDS Society also stated that the closure of the service would leave a significant void: “NAM has consistently delivered unparalleled commentary and coverage of critical HIV-related news.