The Health Scrutiny Committee convened on Monday, September 14, 2026, to address critical issues surrounding HIV prevention and support within Barking and Dagenham.
An update was provided by Positive East, an organisation with over three decades of experience supporting residents affected by HIV. Mark Santos, Executive Director of Positive East, highlighted that Barking and Dagenham's HIV prevalence rate stands at 4.82 per thousand, exceeding the guidelines for high prevalence areas. A significant concern is the high rate of late diagnoses, with 44.4% of individuals diagnosed at a late stage, which substantially increases mortality risk. While the specific reasons for this are not detailed, strategies to improve early detection include community-based HIV testing and prevention services, outreach work, and promoting the message of U equals U
(Undetectable equals Untransmittable) to combat stigma and encourage testing.
The uptake of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is also noted as low. Positive East is addressing PrEP equity through projects like Women for Women
and community-based PrEP clinics. They are also promoting the uptake of online PrEP provision, particularly for heterosexual individuals from Black heritage communities and women, as part of the Elton John AIDS Foundation-funded expanding PrEP pilot.
Furthermore, issues such as disengagement from care, poverty, and poor housing are prevalent, accounting for approximately 82% of the presenting issues at Positive East. A survey indicated that 51% of people living with HIV did not always have enough money for basic needs, impacting their ability to engage with care. Positive East's advice service secured £184,000 in benefits and hardship funds last year, though specific collaborative efforts with housing and social services were not detailed.
Positive East offers community-based HIV testing and prevention services at various locations, including Barking College, Dagenham Library, and a testing bus at Barking Market. Beyond workshops, the organisation employs outreach work to be out and very bold about HIV
and promotes the message of U equals U
as an incredible stigma buster.
The effectiveness of these strategies is measured by tracking new diagnoses and epidemiological data, and through surveys and impact reports. A third of people tested by Positive East have never tested before, and significant numbers have not engaged with any services, including primary care, suggesting outreach is reaching new individuals.
Councillor Donna Lumsden, Deputy Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee, enquired about training for GP surgeries to offer routine HIV tests and strategies to combat stigma. Mr. Santos explained that while training is offered to GPs, access can be challenging as it is sometimes very hard to get time in front of GPs.
He suggested opt-out testing in emergency departments as a potential model for GP registration, though a specific timeline for implementation was not provided. He also mentioned the importance of workshops on self-stigma and promoting the message of U equals U
in tackling stigma.
Councillor Glen Spoor requested evidence demonstrating the impact of Positive East's work. Mr. Santos reported that in the last financial year, Positive East engaged with 1,285 people in Barking and Dagenham, working specifically with 113 individuals living with HIV and testing 122 for HIV and STIs. He observed that while overall HIV numbers are decreasing, specific communities, particularly Black and global majority communities, are not experiencing the same positive trajectory. The underlying factors contributing to this trend are not explicitly detailed beyond a general mention of inequities and inequalities
and that these communities are largely underserved.
For those living with HIV, the organisation provides comprehensive support, including an advice service that successfully secured £184,000 in benefits and hardship funds last year. Peer support is a key offering, a service recommended by the British HIV Association.
Public reports pack Monday 14-Sep-2026 19.00 Health Scrutiny Committee
