Black Health
Across London, Black communities are leading the way in taking charge of their health and their futures. From local testing initiatives to peer-led support groups, people are stepping up to protect themselves and each other from HIV. This is about more than just healthcare—it’s about empowerment, equity, and pride.
Take charge of your health
Black communities experience inequality in health and health services, including around HIV. These disparities are not due to lack of services, but because services often fail to reflect the lived experiences of Black communities. And it has an impact on people’s lives. For example, in 2023, Black African people accounted for 64% of new HIV diagnoses in the UK. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive: get tested regularly, ask about PrEP and PEP, and advocate for the care you deserve. Your health matters, and you have the right to services that are respectful, informed, and rooted in your lived experience.
How often should I test?
If you’re sexually active, testing once a year is recommended—and more often if you have multiple partners. Testing is generally recommended after any unprotected sex with a new partner. Regular testing is a key part of staying healthy and preventing transmissions, so consider testing today.
Avoid late diagnosis
Late diagnosis refers to identifying HIV at an advanced stage when a person’s immune system is significantly weakened. Black communities have disproportionately high rates of late diagnoses, which can lead to worse health outcomes and more complex treatments. Early diagnosis is key to improving health outcomes and reducing transmission risks – which is why we encourage regular HIV testing as part of good health management.
Support for Black Londoners
If you’re living with HIV, newly diagnosed, or want learn more about the steps to take to prevent HIV, there are just some of the brilliant organisations offering culturally grounded support:
- Naz Project London
Naz Project provides sexual health and HIV support including culturally sensitive counselling, testing and peer support groups for Black communities.
https://naz.org.uk/ - Mentor Mothers Network (4MNet)
A peer-led network of Black migrant women living with HIV, supporting other women—especially during pregnancy and motherhood.
https://4mmm.org/ - One Voice Network
A collective of Black-led community organisations and allies working to improve health outcomes for Black communities affected by HIV in the UK. They focus on ending new transmissions and reducing late diagnoses, particularly among Black African and Caribbean populations.
https://www.onevoicenet.org/ - Africa Advocacy Foundation
Based in South London, this organisation supports African and Caribbean communities with HIV prevention, testing, and treatment navigation. They also offer mental health and immigration support.
https://www.africadvocacy.org/ - Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN)
CAHN is a Black-led organisation working to eradicate health inequalities for Caribbean and African communities. CAHN addresses the wider social determinants of health, including HIV, through community outreach, health promotion, and partnerships with faith and grassroots groups to build trust and resilience.
https://www.cahn.org.uk
Living well with HIV
Learn about accessing free treatment, and the support groups and information for people living with HIV.