Women's Health
Although often associated with men, women have always been impacted by HIV. In recent years we’ve seen a significant increase in HIV diagnoses among women. Yet despite this, women are less likely to test for HIV compared to men. Let’s change that.
Take charge of your health
About a third of people living with HIV in the UK are women, and women account for a quarter of new HIV diagnoses. It’s important that all women know what their options are around HIV, and how to access testing, prevention and HIV treatment.
How often should I test?
Women are recommended to test for HIV at least once a year if they are sexually active and more frequently if they have multiple partners, are part of a community with higher HIV prevalence, or are planning a pregnancy. It’s encouraged to test after any unprotected sex with a new partner. Regular testing helps ensure early diagnosis and access to treatment, which protects both your health and your future.
Support for women
If you’re living with HIV or newly diagnosed, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. These are jusr some of the organisations and networks where women living with HIV support other women. We’ve listed just a few below:
Here are four organisations in London that provide support to women living with HIV, each addressing one or more of the specific needs you mentioned:
- 4M Mentor Mothers Network (4MNet)
A peer-led organisation run by Black migrant women, 4MNet trains women living with HIV to become Mentor Mothers who support other women—especially during pregnancy and motherhood. They offer 1-to-1 and group support, mental health workshops, and help navigating healthcare during the pregnancy journey.
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/ - Positively UK
Based in London, Positively UK offers peer-led support for people living with HIV, including women-specific services. They provide counselling, workshops, and help navigating the NHS and social services.
https://positivelyuk.org/ - Sophia Forum
A UK-based organisation advocating for the rights and needs of women living with HIV. They focus on gender-sensitive healthcare, policy change, and peer support, including for mothers and marginalised women.
https://sophiaforum.net/ - Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS)
LAWRS provides free and confidential services for Latin American women in the UK, including those living with HIV. Their support includes, advice on health and wellbeing, help navigating the NHS and social services and emotional support and counselling – including services in Spanish and Portuguese.
https://lawrs.org.uk/
PrEP for women
PrEP is available for free on the NHS or can be bought online. Learn more about PrEP for women, or more about using PrEP in general.
Living well with HIV
Learn about accessing free treatment, and the support groups and information for people living with HIV.