Southwark sexual health services grapple with high HIV rates and rising STIs amidst access challenges
Southwark's sexual health services are facing significant challenges, including high rates of HIV and a rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), despite efforts to improve access and provision.
A report presented to the Health, Adult Social Care and Community Safety Scrutiny Commission on Wednesday 21 October 2026 highlighted that while services are performing well with high demand, persistent inequalities and late diagnoses continue to be major concerns.
Neil Colquhoun, Head of Public Health Commissioning, informed the commission that Southwark continues to experience a high HIV burden and increasing rates of some STIs. Specifically, gonorrhoea rates are rising across all Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley (LSLBB) boroughs, and syphilis rates in Southwark are substantially above the national average. STI reinfection rates also remain above the national average across much of the LSLBB area.
He noted that late HIV diagnoses remain disproportionately higher among heterosexual populations and Black African communities, posing ongoing challenges for prevention and early intervention programmes. While the report identifies these groups as experiencing disproportionately higher rates, the primary reasons for this disparity are not explicitly detailed.
Despite these challenges, progress has been made in implementing the LSLBB Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy 2025-2030. Achievements include the opening of a new sexual reproductive health service at Harold Moody Health Centre, expanded digital access routes, and the recommissioning of the Digital PrEP service. The recommissioned Digital PrEP (DPrEP) service provides an end-to-end digital pathway for eligible residents, removing the need for routine clinic visits while maintaining robust clinical governance. This model aims to expand equitable access to PrEP, improve uptake among underserved groups, and reduce pressure on face-to-face services, though specific data on its impact is not yet available.
The report also detailed a high volume of online STI testing kits ordered by residents, demonstrating strong uptake of digital services. Yet, the strategy acknowledges the ongoing challenge of digital exclusion, meaning face-to-face and community-based access routes must be maintained.
To address the disproportionately high rates of late HIV diagnoses, Southwark has implemented several targeted initiatives. The LSL Sexual Wellbeing Service provides outreach and support to sex workers and other marginalised groups, including people who use drugs, rough sleepers, and those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, Safe STEPS, a community-led programme, targets Black African, Black Caribbean, Latin American, and other minoritised ethnic groups. Southwark is also analysing PrEP need, uptake, and inequalities, with a particular focus on heterosexual populations, Black African communities, and women from minority ethnic communities, to ensure HIV prevention services are reaching those who could benefit.
Further details on the sexual health services and the LSLBB strategy can be found in the Public reports pack presented to the scrutiny commission.