SHIP HIT centre stage at HIV Prevention England conference

Bristol Health Partners’ Sexual Health Improvement Programme (SHIP) HIT was strongly represented at this year’s HIV Prevention England conference, 6 September.

‘Prioritising Equity and Impact’ was this year’s conference theme.

SHIP HIT co-director Professor Jeremy Horwood – alongside several HIT members and a public contributor – delivered five presentations on:

• The feasibility and acceptability of accessing PrEP through community pharmacies,
• HIV opt out testing in Emergency Departments, which is soon to be introduced in Bristol,
• Common Ambition Bristol – a co-produced community-led initiative to increase HIV testing and reduce stigma with Black African and Caribbean heritage communities in Bristol
• Leaving no one behind – a study exploring the drivers of HIV testing inequities in women of Black African heritage in the UK
• Tackling HIV stigma in healthcare using a university-based approach

Jeremy said:

“It has been great to showcase the large amount of HIV research we are conducting in Bristol as part of our Bristol Fast Track Cities partnership. The partnership means the university is working in close collaboration with Bristol City Council, Unity NHS sexual health services and Brigstowe to tackle the discrimination and stigma associated with HIV and improve access to testing and prevention to help meet the government’s goal of ending new HIV infections by 2030.”