Positive East
Barking and Dagenham councils are addressing the borough's high HIV prevalence and late diagnosis rates, as Positive East highlights support needs.
In September 2026, Barking and Dagenham's Health Scrutiny Committee discussed HIV prevention and support, hearing from Positive East that the borough's HIV prevalence rate is 4.82 per thousand, exceeding high prevalence guidelines. Mark Santos, Executive Director of Positive East, reported that 44.4% of individuals are diagnosed at a late stage, which significantly increases mortality risk.
Positive East, a charity supporting residents affected by HIV, secured £184,000 in benefits and hardship funds for Barking and Dagenham residents in the last financial year, a report to the Health Scrutiny Committee said. The charity's advice service addresses wider health determinants, with 82% of presenting issues relating to poverty and poor housing.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham's HIV prevalence rate is 4.82 per thousand, exceeding high prevalence guidelines. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- 44.4% of individuals in Barking and Dagenham are diagnosed with HIV at a late stage. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Positive East secured £184,000 in benefits and hardship funds in the last financial year. Source
- 82% of issues presenting at Positive East relate to poverty and poor housing. Source
- Mark Santos, Executive Director of Positive East, provided an update to the Health Scrutiny Committee in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.