One Voice Network to deliver HIV prevention programme for London’s Black heritage communities

One Voice Network have been selected to deliver a pan-London HIV prevention programme for Black heritage communities; ‘Skin Like Mine’.

From January to April 2026, the ‘Skin Like Mine’ programme will deliver targeted HIV prevention activities across London, including community-led pop-up testing events and a culturally informed prevention programme. The innovative programme, funded by the London HIV Prevention Programme under its ‘Do It London’ campaign, will promote regular HIV testing and prevention as part of routine self-care, using trusted community partners to reach populations that are underserved by traditional services.

The programme responds directly to the findings of Do It London’s “Towards Equity” report (2025), which surveyed 536 Black Londoners and community organisations. The report highlighted the compounding effects of stigma, structural barriers, and unequal access to prevention services.

Between 2018 to 2023, over half of new HIV diagnoses in Black heritage individuals were made at a late stage, significantly increasing the risk of serious health complications and onward transmission. The survey reported that 76% of respondents had never used HIV prevention pill PrEP, with low awareness of the local services offering it, and only 37% of respondents were aware of U=U, the fact that if the level of HIV in someone’s blood is undetectable, it can’t be passed on. With HIV diagnoses continuing to rise in Black heritage populations, programmes such as Skin Like Mine fulfil a specific need for tailored, community-based interventions.

The Skin Like Mine programme includes seven experienced London organisations: Naz, African Health Policy Network, French African Welfare Association, Red Ribbon Living Well, Embrace UK, Phoenix Health Movement, and Addington Afro-Ethnic Health Promotion Group. Together, the partnership has extensive reach across London and a strong track record of delivering effective, culturally competent public health programmes.

Parminder Sekhon, CEO of Naz said: “We are delighted to be delivering this important piece of work with an incredible partnership of Black led organisations to improve access to HIV testing to Londoners of Black heritage in new and exciting ways. Normalising HIV testing through creative programmes to level the playing field of access is a key part ofensuring all communities benefit from prevention initiatives and live well and happy lives.”

Marc Thompson, Lead Commissioner of the London HIV Prevention Programme said: “Our report highlighted the urgent need to centre Black voices, leadership, and lived experiences in the design and delivery of HIV services and this programme promises to deliver just that. By bringing HIV prevention directly into communities, it will help more people test early, access prevention, and support London’s goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.”