Over one in three Africans in England don’t know how to talk about sex with a new partner according to a recent survey¹, which means people could be putting their sexual health at real risk.

Not asking questions about someone’s sexual health and not using condoms may lead to people taking unnecessary risks in exposing themselves to infections like gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B and HIV.

The new issue of Mambo, the health and lifestyle magazine published by HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), aims to encourage readers to feel more confident talking about sex with their partners. In its lead feature, the magazine provides a list of useful tips to help get that conversation started, as well as busting some common myths about sex.

Joseph Ochieng, Editor of Mambo, said: “We need to have the confidence to talk about sex to make sure we’re not putting ourselves and our partners at risk. There are no perfect guidelines about how to bring the subject up in conversation, but agreeing a few basic rules can help reduce the risk of a sexually transmitted infection or unplanned pregnancy. In this issue of Mambo, we look at some possible approaches and offer useful tips on how a couple can have great - and safer - sex.”

Other articles in the new issue include an interview with former hero of American basketball John Amaechi, talking openly about his experiences as a gay man; healthy eating options for Africans who are new to the country or who may be struggling on a tight budget; and news of a successful HIV testing service for Africans in Willesden.

Mambo magazine is funded by the Pan-London HIV Prevention Programme, and is distributed through a range of participating African organisations. For more information on where to pick up a copy, please contact THT Direct on 0845 1221 200.

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Notes to Editor

1. BASS Line 2007 Survey: Assessing the sexual HIV prevention needs of African people in England; Sigma Research; 2008.
2. MAMBO magazine is published as part of the Pan-London mass media programme aimed at promoting awareness of sexual health among Africans. The programme is being delivered by THT in partnership with the following African organisations: Neovenator Community Organisation, The African Eye Trust, Addington Afro Ethnic Group, and Bantu Welfare Trust Future Builders.
3. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk