stigma
Barking and Dagenham councils are addressing the impact of HIV-related stigma on late diagnoses and prevention efforts.
In September 2026, Barking and Dagenham's Health Scrutiny Committee discussed HIV prevention and support. A report by Positive East highlighted the borough's high HIV prevalence rate of 4.82 per thousand and a significant rate of late diagnoses, with 44.4% of individuals diagnosed at a late stage. This late diagnosis substantially increases mortality risk, as presented by Positive East's Executive Director, Mark Santos.
The committee also noted low uptake of PrEP, a preventative measure. These challenges, including barriers to accessing treatment and prevention, are linked to the negative attitudes and discrimination associated with HIV. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving health outcomes in the borough.
Separately, in January 2026, Hammersmith and Fulham Council planned a new drug strategy to tackle supply and demand, treating addiction as a health issue. A Redbridge Health Needs Assessment in September 2025 also identified under-representation of certain groups in substance use services, highlighting inequalities and barriers to accessing treatment.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham's HIV prevalence rate is 4.82 per thousand, exceeding guidelines for high prevalence areas, as noted by Positive East in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- 44.4% of individuals with HIV in Barking and Dagenham are diagnosed at a late stage, increasing mortality risk, a report to the Health Scrutiny Committee said in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council is implementing a new drug strategy in the 2026/27 financial year, presented to the Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee in January 2026. Source
- A Redbridge Substance Use Health Needs Assessment in September 2025 found women, younger adults, and Asian ethnic backgrounds are under-represented in local services. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.