Addressing Health Equity: Black Heritage Community Outreach

Black communities experience inequality in health and health services, including around HIV. Do It London is working to address the long-standing disparities in HIV outcomes among Londoners of Black heritage via new initiaties. These will involve building trust, fostering understanding, and ensuring that HIV prevention, care, and support services truly meet the needs of all Londoners.

Working with Black Londoners

Black communities in London are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Despite making up a smaller percentage of the population, Black Africans represent 38% of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexual individuals in the UK. This reflects systemic barriers, limited access to culturally appropriate services, and inequities in healthcare – all of which are made worse by stigma.

This programme aims to address these challenges by:

increasing HIV awareness including prevention options like PrEP
encouraging regular HIV testing to reduce late diagnoses
providing compassionate support for those living with HIV

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Use Your Voice: Community-Driven Solutions

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to listening. Through community listening sessions and an ongoing anonymous survey, Black Londoners are invited to shape the development of these services.

Marc Thompson, Lead Commissioner for LHPP and a passionate advocate, says:
“This is personal for me. We’re not just running a programme; we’re building trust and creating change that’s long overdue.”

Your voice matters. If you’re aged 16 or over and identify as Black, share your views through our 10-minute survey. As a thank you, participants can win gift vouchers worth £100, £50, or £25. Take the survey now.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Timeline For Work

The community consultation will run until the end of February, followed by publication of a report around community needs. This report will inform the outreach service the London HIV Prevention Programme will set up, which is due to be launched later in 2025.

Join Us in Creating a Healthier London

Everyone deserves equitable access to health and well-being. Together, we can reduce the impact of HIV in Black communities and build a future where no one is left behind.

Help shape this change by participating in the survey today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why focus specifically on Black Londoners?

Black Londoners face disproportionately high rates of HIV. Historically, prevention and support services have not fully met these communities’ needs, as we’ve seen across various different health issues. This initiative will work to ensure that prevention and care services are accessible to all Londoners.

How are you ensuring the programme meets community needs?

We’re conducting community listening sessions and encouraging Black Londoners to participate in an anonymous survey. By listening to the community, we can ensure the programme reflects their specific needs and preferences.

How does the programme support Black women's health?

Black women often face significant inequities in accessing health services, including HIV prevention and care. This initiative aims to raise awareness of options like PrEP (a medication to prevent HIV), provide access to regular testing, and ensure culturally competent support for Black women.

What is late diagnosis, and why is it a concern for Black communities?

Late diagnosis refers to identifying HIV at an advanced stage when the 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.

Are HIV services free in London?

Yes, HIV testing and treatment are completely free for everyone in London. You can access free HIV testing at sexual health clinics, online through services such as doitlondon.shl.uk or via your GP.

We aim to ensure all Londoners feel confident and welcome when accessing testing or support.