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Study finds ‘unacceptable’ prevalence of undiagnosed HIV in Black Africans in London.

The proportion of black African adults in London who are living with undiagnosed HIV is unacceptably high, say the authors of a new study.

The cross-sectional study used a self-completed survey linked to an optional, anonymous oral fluid HIV test. Respondents were recruited from venues popular with black African adults in London. Of 2,531 individuals approached, 752 agreed to participate.

  • 219 of 235 women (93.2%) and 206 of 228 men (90.4%) tested HIV negative.
  • Among those testing positive, 56.3% of women (9 of 16) and 40.9% of men (9 of 22) self-reported as HIV negative or untested, indicating that they were living with undiagnosed HIV. 

The authors described the results as simultaneously encouraging and concerning. The uptake of HIV testing was relatively high compared with other surveys in this population: over two-thirds reported ever having had an HIV test, and 53% of women and 51% of men reported having a test in the past 5 years. However, uptake of testing is modest compared with men who have sex with men (another at-risk group). In addition, few respondents had knowledge of PrEP.

Although there are ongoing campaigns to increase HIV testing in African communities in London, reaching this group is a major HIV- and STI- prevention challenge. High rates of undiagnosed infection in those tested within the past 5 years indicate the need to highlight the risks of HIV acquisition within the UK, the authors conclude.


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