The HIV epidemic in the UK is one of stark inequalities. While the virus itself may not discriminate, people from marginalised and socially excluded communities are disproportionately affected.
Amongst the heterosexual population, this means people from Black communities above all. Black people are more likely to acquire HIV and to be diagnosed late, often leading to serious ill health and risking premature death. Black communities are also known to have lower levels of awareness of HIV prevention technologies than other populations at risk, exacerbating existing trends. Despite clear evidence of this however, there has been a consistent failure to end these inequalities.
This literature review is part of a collaborative project between National AIDS Trust, the UK’s HIV rights charity, and One Voice Network (OVN), a collective of Black-led community organisations focused on improving the health and wellbeing of Black communities in the UK affected by HIV. The project aims to address structural inequalities by ensuring that Black communities living with HIV can hold decision-makers to account, influence policies, and become part of the decision-making process. To do so, this literature review sought to deepen understanding of the inequalities faced by Black communities living with or at risk of HIV.