The programme was initiated in 2017, following our Change the Face of HIV (CTFOH) GP-awareness campaign, which aimed to break down the perceived barriers to HIV testing, support the consideration of HIV as part of differential diagnosis and encourage GPs to increase HIV testing.
The HIV GP Champions come from different parts of the UK but have a common passion and commitment: to increase overall diagnosis, reduce late diagnosis and help end the HIV epidemic.
With support and funding from ViiV Healthcare, an experienced and passionate group of GPs set on a mission to make HIV testing a priority in primary care by implementing testing initiatives and increasing awareness around HIV in their Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).
The HIV GP Champions programme is currently focused in Southwark, Newham, Brighton & Hove and Manchester. Initial results have been promising and have served to increase primary care understanding of HIV as well as increased HIV testing.
Dr James Stevenson is a GP and Clinical Lead for HIV in Newham. He spent four years working in Sexual Health and HIV medicine at King’s College Hospital and has worked on HIV projects both locally and nationally. Dr Stevenson has also worked on the UK PROUD PrEP Pilot Study. He has set up several avenues to focus local education, and support to GPs and healthcare professionals in Newham and is driven to improve care both for patients at risk of, and those who live with HIV.
DR SEAN PERERA is a GP and Specialty Doctor in Sexual Health in Brighton. With a strong clinical and academic background, Dr Perera has completed two NIHR research fellowships, specialty training at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital and a Masters degree in Epidemiology at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. He is passionate about providing high quality, holistic, patient-centred care while improving the health and wellbeing of populations.
Dr Cristina Guallar is a GP at the New Mill Street Surgery in Southwark and also a Speciality Doctor in HIV Medicine. She has been an HIV Specialist Doctor for the last 15 years and has worked on HIV care projects internationally. Dr Guallar has also been working closely with Public Health England, specialist HIV GUM teams and HIV charitable organisations to increase rates of testing in local practices through targeted education and support.
