HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is pleased to announce the launch of Mambo Online (http://www.mambo.org.uk), a major website dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and sexual health specifically among African communities. The service will go live on 20 July.

In the UK, African communities are the group at highest risk of contracting HIV; in 2007, black Africans represented around 40% of all new HIV diagnoses, despite representing less than 1% of the UK population. Mambo Online has been funded by the Pan-London HIV Prevention Programme to provide an important resource for these communities, with the aim of ensuring Africans are equipped with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves from HIV and STIs.

The website will feature articles on topics such as testing for HIV, HIV-related stigma, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and immigration. All issues will be explained in a clear, accessible way, and where possible will be linked to relevant THT support services.

Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion at THT, says: "The HIV epidemic currently has a significant effect on the UK's African communities, so the launch of Mambo Online couldn't come at a more appropriate time. We're really pleased to be launching this service, which should make it even easier for Africans to find the information they need to stay healthy."

In addition to general news and information, the website will feature a separate 'Professionals' section, where people working in African health promotion can stay updated about forthcoming seminars, training and THT's support services for organisations.

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust