Posted Date: 01st Feb 2012
30 years on, there is still no cure for HIV and the rate of HIV transmission in London is still very high with black Africans making up 32% of the newly diagnosed.
As part of the Pan London HIV Prevention Programme (PLHPP), the African Health Policy Network (AHPN) along with the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and the HEAL partnership have launched a radio campaign to raise awareness about PEP, HIV testing and condoms.
“One of the many reasons people prefer not to find out their HIV status is the fear of stigma, even within their own communities. This campaign will not only encourage the untested to find out their status, it will help to stimulate discussion within the community and help to tackle the fear and prejudice that still exists. Treatments for HIV have come so far and finding out your status may well be the best thing that you can do to help save your life.” says Adrian Kelly, senior public health strategist for sexual health and teenage pregnancy.
Findings from the recent PLHPP Needs Assessment Report highlighted that 26% of Londoners with HIV remain undiagnosed and in particular there is an immediate need to target HIV prevention work towards black African communities in London.
“As part of a multi component intervention strategy, the radio campaign is a great opportunity to raise awareness of HIV and the impact on healthy lives owing to late diagnosis. People can have HIV without knowing it, and you can’t tell from looking at someone whether they have HIV or not. So it is important that regular testing for HIV and using condoms is part of an individual’s healthy living strategy,’ Jabulani Chwaula, programme manager, AHPN
In response to this, AHPN, THT and community organisations that have a direct interface with African communities have collaborated to launch this awareness campaign which has an overall aim of tackling late diagnosis and promoting preventative sexual health behaviour change.
The adverts are now live for three months on Choice FM 96.9 / 107.1 FM, Premier Radio 1305, 1332, 1413 MW/DAB and Voice of Africa Radio 94FM. In addition, four interviews will take place on Premier Radio during the campaign period to raise awareness about the role faith plays in HIV.
For further information please email info@ahpn.org or call 02070178910.
Notes:
The main objectives of the HIV testing campaign, in line with the strategic goal for the programme are to:
- reduce the number of African people presenting with HIV at a late stage of infection in London
- increase the number of Africans who are aware of their HIV status by going for an HIV test
- increase the opportunities for Africans to access appropriate HIV prevention information and advice from health promoters and advisors
- raise awareness of the benefits of early HIV testing and increase access to appropriate and timely care and support.
Links:
Black Africans and HIV in the UK
0800 0957 500: The helpline for information and advice about HIV and and sexual health.
Mambo: The healthier lifestyle magazine for Africans
AHPN invites you to comment on the London HIV needs assessments
Health promotion training this February in London