Talking Sex in the Afrocarribean Community.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) recently hosted a conference to highlight sexual health amongst the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. Several delegates attended the free event at the university’s Riverside East building on Saturday, April 19.

Sponsored by NHS Grampian Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus MCN and African Health Project Waverley Care, the conference boasted an impressive line-up of keynote speakers.

Conference convener Dr Adaeze Ifezulike is GP Clinical Lead for Sexual health and Blood borne Viruses in NHS Grampian and author of the Amazon Bestseller book “Understanding Contraception.” She said: “The Afro-Caribbean community make an invaluable contribution to the energy sector, NHS, educational sector and indeed all areas of UK business and yet continues to lag behind in sexual health issues with high abortion rates as well as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B infections. “This is completely unacceptable and one of our objectives at this conference was to mobilise both the healthcare and Afro-Caribbean communities to take steps to improve our sexual wellbeing.”

Dr Winifred Eboh, a senior lecturer at Robert Gordon University, helped to organise the event and gave her own presentation entitled: “Cultural misconceptions that affect sexual behaviour and risk taking.” Dr Eboh said: “We’re very proud to have hosted the conference here at RGU and add our support to this cause. We have received great feedback from delegates who said they found it interesting and informative, and enjoyed the interactive nature of the event which allowed detailed discussions. “Sexual health and wellbeing amongst the Afro-Caribbean diaspora is a very important topic and we hope the event has helped to raise awareness of the work being done to address a number of issues in this area.”

Other speakers on the day included Dr Emmanuel Okpo, Consultant Public Health Physician at NHS Grampian, Dr Daniella Brawley, Consultant in Sexual Health at NHS Grampian and Katai Kasengele from Waverley Care. Dr Okpo reviewed the state of sexual health (unplanned pregnancy / abortion / HIV and Hepatitis B/C) in the black community in the UK and Dr Brawley’s presentation helped to put the side effects of contraception into perspective with the treatment of blood borne viruses. Katai Kasengele showcased the work of African health projects and support available for Africans living with HIV.