Posted Date: 16th Jan 2012
AHPN invites you to comment on the London HIV needs assessments which include an executive summary of recommendations, a work stream summary report, epidemiology report, evidence review and engagement review from collaborating agencies.
The needs assessment report was prepared by the INWL PCTs on behalf of the Pan London HIV commissioning group and will be used to guide future commissioning intentions. The needs assessment report also highlighted that the PLHPP spends £320,000 per year on the black African community, compared with £1.3m on "men who have sex with men".
Francis Kaikumba, AHPN CEO, emphasizes that the expenditure on black African targeted HIV prevention in London is inadequate and ineffective in providing the necessary outcomes to comprehensively prevent on onward HIV transmission.
“A fresh vision with bold leadership is needed across London’s HIV prevention effort. The evidence in this needs assessment highlights that disproportional spend for black African populations. This needs to be urgently addressed especially in light of the fact that the interventions commissioned for black Africans tend to have a higher unit cost due to the diverse health determinants and inequalities they face to accessing services. In addition, this programme would benefit from greater levels of transparency, openness and accountability."
AHPN welcomes the broad findings of this report and we would like to continue to play a positive role in working with commissioners across London in designing and delivering this programme. AHPN calls on all boroughs to actively get involved in the interventions to prevent onward transmission of HIV.
Send your feedback to the report by email to Abigail.Okunlola@ahpn.org as soon as possible.
Notes:
BBC news report by Andy Dangerfield: Charities criticise London ‘failing’ HIV prevention programme
- Almost 30,000 people with HIV accessing care in London
- About 26% of Londoners affected with HIV remain undiagnosed
- People diagnosed with HIV rising by 5% annually
- 46% of those diagnosed in London are men who have sex with men
- Black Africans make up 5.5% of London population but 32% of those newly diagnosed with HIV
- Treatment costs are £500m per year.