HIV awareness lacking in Africans in England
Many Africans in England do not know about HIV treatments
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Monday, 04, Aug 2008 08:43
Many Africans living in England have little awareness of HIV treatments available, a new survey revealed today.
The poll for the African HIV Policy Network found that while the vast majority of the 4,000 Africans taking part in the survey had a clear understanding of how HIV is transmitted, one in five had no idea that effective treatment for HIV exists.
And more than a third were unaware these treatments work better the earlier they are taken.
The poll also revealed that it is widely believed within this group that having HIV could be a reason for deportation from the UK – which is not the case.
Just over ten per cent said they would like to know if they were infected but were not sure how to go about being tested and among people with diagnosed HIV infection, one quarter said they lacked the ability to make sure that they did not pass on HIV to their sexual partners.
Angelina Namiba, programme leader at the National African HIV Prevention Programme, commented: "The report re-affirms the importance of making HIV testing services, treatment and information easily available and accessible.
"There needs to be a collective effort by healthcare professionals, community based organisations, religious institutions, other stakeholders and the public in general to ensure that stigma around HIV testing is addressed and confidentiality is maintained."