Young people are still catching HIV because they don’t know about PrEP.
At the clinic, we’re seeing a worrying pattern of young gay men moving to London who then catch HIV in the first few months, and by the time they’re seen by us at the clinic it’s too late.
So we launched PrEP Awareness Week – because PrEP is our best weapon against HIV.
We’re working with LGBT influencers including Bimini Bon-Boulash and Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 3 queen, Charity Kase. Other big names such as comedian Mawaan Rizwan, transgender activist Chiyo and adult movie star John East are also taking part in spreading awareness. So far, we’ve had a retweet from Stephen Fry, a post by Years and Years’ Olly Alexander on Instagram, and an article that has been published in The Evening Standard!
Running 29th Nov – 05th Dec, PrEP Awareness Week also coincides with World AIDS Day on December 1st. We want to encourage as many people to learn about the risks and #GetOnPrEP if it’s right for them.
During the first COVID-19 lockdowns there was a decline in HIV transmissions because we had to stay indoors and go solo to keep ourselves safe. Now that we’re getting back to socialising more, the HIV transmissions are starting to rise once again, especially among young gay and bisexual males in London.
As a community we need to look out for and take care of one another. If you know someone who might need to see this, share it with them and start a conversation that may actually change their life!
During PrEP Awareness Week, anybody can walk in to Dean Street Express to get PrEP with no appointment, or you can visit https://getonprep.co.uk/ to find out where your closest clinic is, and download our shiny campaign graphics that you can use on your socials to help spread awareness.
