Reflections on the Annual HIV Prevention England Conference 2024

On 6th September, I had the privilege of attending the Annual HIV Prevention England conference, a key event for anyone working in sexual health. The conference brought together volunteers, community workers, clinicians, and commissioners, offering an inclusive programme that discussed both successes and challenges in the ongoing fight against HIV and related sexual health issues.

As a community worker, it can sometimes feel isolating when progress seems slow. That’s why the opportunity to share experiences and realize that other locations face similar challenges was incredibly valuable. The event provided a platform for open dialogue and highlighted the common struggles across the country, while also sharing innovative solutions.

This year’s conference was particularly significant, being the first under the new Labour government. Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne reassured attendees with his commitment to an updated HIV Action Plan by summer 2025, a crucial step as we move closer to the 2030 target of no new HIV diagnoses. His pledge provided a sense of hope and direction as we work toward achieving this ambitious goal.

One of the standout sessions was titled ‘Equitable Access to PrEP,’ which showcased three remarkable projects aimed at engaging underserved communities with information and access to PrEP. These initiatives included a project in Bristol that recruited pharmacies to provide PrEP information and prescriptions, a project targeting women from Black African and marginalized communities in Leeds, and a service in central Brighton offering PrEP prescriptions.

Often, the terms "hard to reach" and "disengaged" are used to describe certain service users, but these projects demonstrated the power of taking services directly to communities and listening to their needs. Each project revealed the importance of additional funding and time to allow the services to develop effectively. Their successes highlight what can be achieved when services are shaped by the communities they aim to serve.

Data presented during the conference on STI diagnoses in 2023 was particularly concerning. It showed significant increases in positivity rates, with certain groups, including GBMSM (gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men), women, and Black Africans, disproportionately affected. When asked what should be included in the updated HIV Action Plan, one speaker emphasized the need for more detailed focus on sexual health, given the current trends and the fact that the situation is not improving.

At a time when sexual health services are oversubscribed and underfunded, it can be easy to lose sight of the progress being made. However, the conference was a reminder of the good work being done and the opportunities available to improve access and outcomes. I left the event feeling inspired and motivated to continue building on these ideas.

If you’re interested in discussing any of the presentations or have ideas on how we can collaborate, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to make a difference.

For more insights, you can watch the videos of the talks from the County Lounge via this link: