It Starts With Me: Summer campaign 2022 briefing

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ISWM Summer 2022 briefing thumbnailThe next phase of the It Starts With Me campaign will focus on raising awareness of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), alongside HIV and STI prevention strategies. Activities for the campaign will start on Monday 4 July 2022.

The campaign will remind people of the importance of looking after all aspects of their sexual wellbeing with a positive, fresh and summer-themed creative.

Resources are available to order from our portal, and our social media pack will be downloadable from our website.

Get involved and find out more in our Summer Campaign Briefing [PDF]

HIV Prevention England Conference 2022

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Call for abstracts

The 5th biannual National HIV Prevention Conference will be held on Friday 30 September 2022 in Central London.

This conference brings together health professionals, community experts and researchers working in HIV prevention and sexual health; as well as others who work with people from key target populations. The event provides a platform for delegates to share ideas, best practice, research, and to network.

The conference will be free to attend and registration will open on Monday 4 July 2022.

The call for abstracts is now open. We welcome abstracts that contain original contributions within the following topics:

  • HIV and STI testing in different settings
  • Improving access to PrEP
  • HIV and STI prevention research and implementation
  • HIV treatment access and retention in care
  • Improving the quality of life for people living with HIV
  • The sexual health of people living with HIV
  • Partnerships and coproduction approaches

We encourage the submission of abstracts which focus on health equity for underserved communities and also those which demonstrate real-world impact.

Submissions

You may submit an abstract for an oral presentation, a poster presentation or an interactive workshop.

Before you submit an abstract please read the guidance [PDF]

Please complete the relevant template:

The deadline to make your submission is 23:59 BST, Friday 15 July 2022.

Monkeypox in the UK – latest information, sector resources and guidance

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Monkeypox is a rare viral infection mainly spread by wild animals. It is very rare in the UK.

The latest cases bring the total number of monkeypox cases confirmed in England since Friday 6 May to 20, with recent cases predominantly in gay and bisexual men.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are working closely with NHS England and NHS trusts, the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and Terrence Higgins Trust to respond to this emerging situation.

The latest update from UKHSA is:

  • There has been a small number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK, with the majority of those cases among gay and bisexual men.
  • Monkeypox spreads through close contact, so is likely being spread during sex rather than through sexual transmission.
  • Everyone is being asked to be aware of the monkeypox symptoms, but it’s important gay and bisexual men are alert as its believed to be spreading in sexual networks.
  • If people have a rash anywhere or any of the other symptoms below, they should contact their local sexual health service by phone – not in person.
  • The rash often starts on the face then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals.
  • Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

Resources for the sector

UKHSA

Press releases (latest statements and updates).

The epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis and management of monkeypox virus infections.

NHS – Central Alert System (CAS)

Immediate actions in response to cases of Monkeypox Virus in the UK with no known travel history.

BASHH

Monkeypox resources and operational documents.

This hub provides information for sexual health services (SHS), including:

  • Latest guidance for SHS colleagues.
  • Flowcharts for receptions, clinics receiving patients attending clinic.
  • Operational issues to address potential monkeypox.

BHIVA

BHIVA rapid statement on monkeypox virus (impact on people with HIV).

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

Risk assessment: Monkeypox multi-country outbreak

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Statement on the situation in the UK.

Information for the public

NHS information on transmission, symptoms, and treatment.

Terrence Higgins Trust monkeypox in the UK update, including frequently asked questions.

 

Coming soon: Social media assets and messaging

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.