World AIDS Day at the Trust

On 1 December, World AIDS Day offers a moment to celebrate progress, support those living with HIV, and commemorate lives lost to the virus. This year, World AIDS Day coincides with PrEP Awareness Week, spotlighting PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) as a key tool in HIV prevention.

The Trust’s sexual health services provide outstanding support, facilitating PrEP access for Londoners and offering outreach and care for people living with HIV. Chelsea and Westminster has a distinguished history in HIV research, innovation, and care, hosting the largest HIV service in the country. Our commitment extends to providing compassionate care, actively challenging stigma, and continuously enhancing services based on patient needs.

In line with these efforts, the Trust’s opt-out HIV testing in our A&E departments has proven effective in identifying individuals previously unaware of their HIV status. This programme is now expanding across London, enabling routine HIV screening for any patient requiring a blood test in A&E, with an option to opt-out.

Today, approximately 38 million people worldwide live with HIV, including more than 105,000 in the UK. Despite advancements, a recent National AIDS Trust survey revealed that only 16% of Brits understand that people on effective HIV treatment cannot transmit the virus and can lead healthy lives. The concept of 'U=U'—undetectable = untransmittable—continues to spread awareness that an undetectable viral load prevents HIV transmission.

While remarkable strides have been made since the first HIV cases in 1981, challenges persist due to stigma, discrimination, and varying access to care. World AIDS Day remains vital in addressing these issues, advocating for education, fundraising, and improved access to equitable HIV treatment worldwide.

World AIDS Day at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Our sexual health services marked World AIDS Day with events and outreach work.  

The 56 Dean Street sexual health clinic team held their annual testing event at G-A-Y bar in Soho, offering a 'walk in and start PrEP' service, as well as walk-in HIV testing and mpox vaccination. 

Dr Sam Gregson, doctor at 56 Dean Street, addressed the most common myths about PrEP in a video with Gay Times magazine.

• Watch the video

At West Middlesex University Hospital, Sexual Health Hounslow held stalls this week promoting PrEP and encouraging open conversation.

The Kobler Clinic at the St Stephens Centre in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is the largest HIV clinic in the UK. Trust charity CW+ displayed a small exhibition of artwork made by patients who have used the service. 

Trust HIV Service Director Marta Boffito spoke to Salma El-Wardany on BBC Radio London about the success of HIV opt-out testing in our A&Es, which helps people know their status and get treatment if they test positive for HIV.

Prof Marta Boffito, HIV Service Director at the Trust, and Gary Whitlock, Service Director at 56 Dean Street, highlight the success of HIV opt-out testing in A&E and progress in HIV care and prevention on BBC London's evening news on World AIDS Day.