Black History Month 2026 and Sexual Health

Blog by Dr Eduardo Peres - Chair of Racially Minoritised Communities SIG

15 October 2026 (Last updated: 15 Oct 2026 14:19)

As we mark Black History Month under the theme “Honouring Our Communities,” we must recognise that honouring communities is not only about celebrating resilience and achievement, but also about confronting inequity. It demands a commitment to addressing the health inequalities that continue to affect them.

The ongoing  inequalities in sexual health that affect Black communities in the UK

Data consistently demonstrates that people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage experience disproportionate burdens of poor sexual health outcomes. While recent UKHSA data has shown an encouraging decline in new HIV diagnoses among Black African heterosexual men and women, Black African communities remain disproportionately affected by HIV overall, and HIV diagnoses among heterosexual men and people of Black African ethnicity continue to be more likely to occur at a late stage. In addition, people of Black Caribbean heritage experience higher rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia and gonorrhoea, highlighting persistent inequities in prevention, testing and timely access to care.

The disparities extend into reproductive health. Evidence suggests that Black women in the UK are less likely to use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), when compared with White women.

Inequity in access

Although PrEP use in England has reached record levels, uptake remains significantly lower among Black African heterosexual men and women than in many other groups. Community organisations and public health campaigns have identified barriers including limited awareness of PrEP availability through the NHS, stigma associated with HIV prevention, and missed opportunities for healthcare professionals to discuss and offer prevention options.

Similar challenges affect access to PEP, where delays in awareness and engagement can reduce timely use following potential HIV exposure. Vaccination programmes - such as the programmes for Mpox and MenB vaccinations - have also revealed disparities in uptake linked to structural barriers, mistrust of healthcare institutions, and gaps in culturally relevant communication and outreach. In contraceptive care, research indicates that concerns regarding side effects, misinformation, and previous experiences of healthcare interactions can influence contraceptive decision-making. Some women from ethnic minority backgrounds have also reported feeling targeted or pressured regarding contraceptive choices. This all underscores the importance of person-centred, culturally competent care that supports informed choice and reproductive autonomy.

In sexual health and reproductive health, true recognition means ensuring equitable rights and opportunities across every stage of care: access to services, assessment of needs, clinical management, prevention interventions, and ongoing support. By addressing structural barriers, strengthening culturally competent practice, and actively reducing disparities in outcomes, we honour Black communities not only in words, but through a commitment to fairness, dignity and equity in healthcare.

Black History Month 2026: Events and Resources

The events and resources below have been collated by Helen Corkin (UKHSA). These offer valuable opportunities to learn about, advocate for and address the sexual health and reproductive health needs of Black communities. Together, they highlight the importance of tackling health inequalities, amplifying lived experiences and promoting structurally competent care.

Unheard, Untreated, Unwell: Women's Health in Crisis

• The Focus: A professional panel dialogue tackling structural injustice in reproductive and global health politics. The discussion features author and sexual health advocate Dr Annabel Sowemimo alongside Professor Sophie Harman, examining why racial and gender disparities continue to leave women's healthcare underserved.
• When: Tuesday, 20 October at 18.30.
• Where: 10–11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5ED.
• Access: Bookings available via Eventbrite here.

George House Trust: Black History Celebration

• The Focus: Celebrating and recognising the individuals whose dedication, resilience, compassion, and service continue to strengthen and inspire people living with HIV across Greater Manchester.
• When: Wednesday 28 October from 17.30-21.30.
• Where: Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester, M3 4JQ.
• Access: Details available through George House Trust here.

The Race and Health Matters Podcast

• Aims to translate research and lived experience into practical actions that support a fairer and more inclusive health and care system.
• Launches with a workforce-focused series exploring racial inequality in the NHS, evidence-based interventions, and practical guidance for leaders, allies and minoritised ethnic staff.
• Highlights the important link between staff experiences, patient safety and health outcomes.
• Available here.

By engaging with these events and resources, we can continue the conversation beyond Black History Month and strengthen our collective commitment to equitable access, assessment, management and care in sexual and reproductive health services.

Dr Eduardo Peres

Chair of Racially Minoritised Communities SIG