Sexually transmitted infections in black African and black Caribbean communities in the UK: 2008 report

Synopsis

• The prevalence of diagnosed HIV in black African and black Caribbean communities in England is estimated to be 3.7% and 0.4% respectively, compared to 0.09% among the white population.
• In 2007 there were 2,691 new HIV diagnoses among black Africans, representing 40%o fall new diagnoses in the UK. The majority had acquired their infection heterosexually and in Africa. The number of new diagnoses among black Caribbeans remained low (189 in 2007), representing 3% of new diagnoses in 2007.
• The percentage of late diagnoses, that is after a point when treatment should have begun, among new diagnoses of HIV in 2007 was highest among black Africans (42%). Twenty-seven percent of HIV diagnoses among black Caribbeans were late.
• In 2007 black Caribbeans accounted for over a quarter (26%) of heterosexually acquired gonorrhoea diagnosed in a sample of genitourinary medicine clinics in England and Wales.

Additional information

Sexually transmitted infections in black African and black Caribbean communities in the UK: 2008 Report Slideset (PowerPoint Presentation, 3 MB)

Last reviewed: 30 April 2010