UK

The Problem

It is estimated that there are 86,500 people living with HIV in the UK, with a quarter not yet diagnosed with the condition. Uptake of HIV testing was 95% in antenatal clinics and 77% among STI clinic attendees in England. Of those diagnosed, 83% of people with advanced HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART)

• Of those diagnosed, 43% are Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• One in five of all adults seen for care in 2009 were aged over 50
• Women account for 34% of people diagnosed in the UK

Our Response

EJAF has been awarding grants across the UK since 1993. In recent years we have focused our support on those diagnosed with HIV and in 2007 we carried out a strategic review of HIV social care, support and information services across the UK to develop our grant strategy

Our Strategy

EJAF’s approach in the UK is to fund UK-wide or regional programmes of work that enable people diagnosed with HIV to better manage their condition and live well with HIV. We have specifically sought to fund collaborative projects involving organizations working together, sharing resources and avoiding duplication. We have also proactively developed and/or sourced programmes that integrate their work within National Health services to address the following issues:

Gay and bisexual men living with HIV (MSM)

Programmes that enable MSM to manage their mental, physical and emotional health, be confident about disclosing their HIV status and reduce the risk of onward transmission of HIV. In particular programmes that are making use of new technologies and measuring the impact of their interventions.

 

Long Term Diagnosed and older people

Programmes that address the impact and social isolation of HIV on those who have been diagnosed with HIV for over 10 years and/or those aged over 50. In particular, reaching people in rural and low prevalence areas, reducing isolation and increasing the use of non-HIV statutory and voluntary social care services.

 

Children affected by HIV

Programmes that address the needs of children infected and affected by HIV, their parents and carers. Programmes that demonstrate a child-centred approach and measure the impact of in relation to benefits on the child and their families/carers.

 

Poverty and nutrition

Programmes that address the impact of poverty on people living with HIV in the UK to improve living conditions, access to culturally appropriate nutrition and increase income levels.