Report Shows 'stark' Gender Gap In Hiv Prevention

Women crossed nan West Midlands are being disproportionately affected by gaps successful HIV prevention, according to a caller report.

Data released up of a gathering which will research nan rumor shows that while women accounted for 42% of caller HIV diagnoses successful nan region, only 3% of women successful nan West Midlands are utilizing prevention measures specified arsenic pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

PrEP, disposable arsenic a regular pill aliases an injection each 8 weeks, importantly reduces nan consequence of contracting HIV.

As wellness leaders and advocates stitchery to talk what they picture arsenic a "stark" gender gap, calls are increasing for urgent action to tackle nan inequality.

Government figures recovered that 75% of men who person activity pinch men, who were identified arsenic having a request for PrEP by NHS intersexual wellness services successful England, had started aliases continued to return it successful 2023.

However, women who person activity pinch men now relationship for nan highest proportionality of caller HIV diagnoses successful England.

Some successful nan region are being invited to return portion successful a caller objective trial, but women were being "left behind", said Sophie Strachan, of women's HIV kindness nan Sophia Forum,

"There are already examples of awesome activity happening crossed nan West Midlands – now we request to build connected that and guarantee each female has entree to nan support she deserves," she said.

The figures were released by nan UK Health Security Agency in its yearly study connected HIV testing and prevention.

Local peer-led initiatives tin make a existent difference, added Dr Prita Banerjee, of nan Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

The Birmingham arena would beryllium a "valuable opportunity to stock what's moving and research really we tin standard up these kinds of approaches crossed nan region," she said.

The gathering will talk findings from nan nationalist argumentation study Systematically Excluded and Ignored, which reveals really women person been consistently underserved successful nan UK's HIV response, organisers said.

Peter Wickersham, of supplier institution Gilead Sciences, which has helped organise nan meeting, added: "While nationalist argumentation sets nan direction, it's section action – tailored to organization needs – that drives existent change".