Terrence Higgins Trust awarded by the Heart of England Foundation Trust in recognition of local partnership work with African Communities across Birmingham

The charity was awarded the Engagement with African Communities accolade in recognition of it’s outstanding work, building relationships with community and faith leaders across the city over ten years. Through the Birmingham African Forum, the charity promoted HIV testing and safe sex with this hard to reach group. It has also worked with community and faith leaders to combat discrimination. 

HIV continues to affect African communities disproportionately. However, the African Health and Sex Survey 2014 revealed that 72.7 per cent of those surveyed were not aware of high rates of HIV among the black African community in England.

Sherine Edwards-Dodd, Health Promotion Officer, Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. African communities remain one of the groups at increased risk of contracting HIV. It is really important that we seek every opportunity to meet with, and talk to the community about testing, and the services available.”