INSIght News

Better HIV Prevention for Africans

posted: 02/07/2009

Better collaboration between health and support providers is needed to deliver effective preventative services to black Africans affected by HIV. This is one of the key conclusions of the latest Better Health briefing, published by the Race Equality Foundation, HIV prevention among black Africans in England: a complex challenge by John Owuor.

Black Africans are 1 in 100 of the UK population but have almost half of all new HIV diagnoses in the UK. Black Africans are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to most other ethnic groups.

Key issues:

• HIV prevalence amongst black Africans in England. African heterosexuals are the most affected group in the UK. The majority of those diagnosed are between 20 – 49 years. More women are tested than men, because testing is a routine part of antenatal care.
• The majority of black Africans are diagnosed late and this reduces the successfulness of treatment and increases the risk of the disease progression. Reasons for late diagnosis vary but include: stigma associated with HIV; false beliefs that a HIV positive test result will lead to deportation (wrong - being HIV positive can help with applications to stay in the UK), and people not knowing where to get tested, amongst others.
• There are more same sex relationships than reported among black Africans in England. However, shame, discrimination and stigma mean these are often hidden because women and men rely on communal networks for social support.
• The sexual health of the black African communities depends on many socio-economic factors. Securing housing, confirming immigration status and finding work are major priorities that often come before health needs. The uncertainty of residency status in particular can lead to sexual risks being taken which increase the risk of HIV infection. Faith and religion can provide valuable emotional support, but this is destroyed if faith and church leaders and members blame and denounce people with HIV, including people with same sex relationships.
• There are many unmet sexual and social needs of black Africans. Service and policy responses include a Department of Health funded NAHIP programme where partnership with community based African organisations delivers appropriate health support. But there are a number of issues still to address, such as myths and misconceptions about testing and treatment (particularly to men and new migrants) to reduce late testing.

These are some of the key messages from the Better Health Briefing paper on HIV prevention among black Africans in England: a complex challenge by John Owuor.
 

The paper outlines the social and economic factors that impact on Africans sexual health. It highlights the challenges in providing appropriate HIV health treatment and support by primary care services. To download the paper it is No. 13 here.