Shadow Public Health Minister Diane Abbott will give the keynote speech at HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust’s ‘African Health Promotion Summit’ this autumn. The event, which takes place on 30th October at the Hotel Russell, London, is an opportunity for HIV organisations, health commissioners and African business or faith leaders, to come together and share best practice in HIV prevention among Africans in the UK.
Africans are one of the groups most at risk of HIV, accounting for nearly a third of all UK infections in 2011. The latest research suggests that the proportion of Africans infected with the virus in the UK, as opposed to overseas, is now higher than ever. Africans are also the group most likely to be diagnosed with HIV late, when they should have already started treatment.
The event will address some of these challenges by giving delegates the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences. Speakers will include:
· Diane Abbott, Shadow Public Health Minister
· Naana Ottoo-Oyortey MBE from the Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development (FORWARD)
· Evelyn Asante Mensah OBE, interim CEO of BHA for Equality and member of the board of the Equality and Human Rights Commission
· Ike Anya, Public Health Consultant
· Thandi Haruperi, founder of cross-cultural training consultancy restorEgo
· Mohammed Osman, Head of Grants, Elton John AIDS Foundation
Delegates will also get an get an insight into innovative health promotion projects, such as Terrence Higgins Trust’s Play It Safe community football HIV testing initiative, through workshops and breakout sessions.
Diane Abbott, Shadow Public Health Minister, said: “Africans are one of the groups most at risk of HIV in the UK and tackling the epidemic among the community poses unique challenges. There are so many exciting projects and innovative health improvement programmes going on all across the country and this summit is all about sharing that experience, forging new partnerships, finding leaders and replicating success. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to delegates at this event, which promises to set the stage for HIV prevention among Africans in years to come.”
Marcy Madzikanda, Terrence Higgins Trust Health Improvement Specialist for African Communities and event coordinator, said: “With the proportion of Africans contracting HIV in the UK as opposed to overseas now higher than ever, it is vital that we build a strong response to stop the epidemic taking root among our communities. Our speakers will bring together expertise across a range of topics and we hope that the summit will help to shape the way we tackle HIV among Africans in years to come. I would encourage anyone with an interest in HIV, or anyone who wants to become more involved in HIV prevention work, to register today.”
Organised in partnership with the BHA for Equality and TB Alert, the African Health Promotion Summit is the culmination of the Barclays Health Promotion Skills Training Programme, a three-year programme that trains African community organisations and individuals to talk to other members of the community about HIV and staying healthy.
The summit takes place on Wednesday 30th October from 9am to 4.30pm at Hotel Russell, Russell Square, London, WC1B 5BE,
