Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Barking and Dagenham Council is addressing low uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and high rates of late HIV diagnoses.
Barking and Dagenham Council's Health Scrutiny Committee discussed low uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication to prevent HIV infection, and high rates of late HIV diagnoses in September 2026. Mark Santos, Executive Director of Positive East, reported that nearly half of individuals in the borough are diagnosed at a late stage.
Positive East also highlighted that Barking and Dagenham has an HIV prevalence rate of 4.82 per thousand, which exceeds guidelines for high prevalence areas. The committee heard that low PrEP uptake is a critical concern for the borough.
Key facts
- Nearly half of individuals in Barking and Dagenham are diagnosed with HIV at a late stage. Source
- Barking and Dagenham has an HIV prevalence rate of 4.82 per thousand. Source
- This HIV prevalence rate exceeds guidelines for high prevalence areas. Source
- Low PrEP uptake is a critical concern in Barking and Dagenham. Source
- Mark Santos, Executive Director of Positive East, presented this information in September 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.