DMU Professor wins national prize for sexual health work

A De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) Professor has won a national prize for his work to make a positive difference to sexual health outcomes.

Professor Rusi Jaspal, PVC Research and Professor of Psychology & Sexual Health at DMU, was one of the winners at this year’s nOSCARS, a red carpet event that celebrates people, programmes and media making a difference in black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.

Prof Jaspal’s work has focused on developing evidence-based approaches to enhancing HIV prevention and HIV care among BAME gay and bisexual men, who are disproportionately affected by HIV in the UK. He recently wrote a book which has subsequently informed the practice of clinicians across the UK.

He won the South Asian nOSCAR category, which recognises people whose work increases representation or delivers culturally-sensitive services to the South Asian community.

Prof Jaspal said: “At DMU, we want our research to make a difference to people’s lives. The nOSCAR award recognises the impact that my research is having on the practice of clinicians who work with BAME, and especially South Asian, communities. The dialogue between research and practice is important to me. I’m delighted that my work has been recognised in this way and I am energised to continue.”

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Now in its seventh year, the nOSCARS event, which is run by sexual health charity NAZ, seeks to raise awareness of the fact that there remains a big gap in the sexual health outcomes of BAME communities compared to the general population.

Marion Wadibia, CEO of NAZ, said: “Around the country, sexual health professionals, clinics and media platforms continue to work tirelessly to ensure BAME communities have the same understanding, treatment and sexual health outcomes as the general population.

“We’re delighted to continue to celebrate those who challenge stigmas, raise awareness and work collaboratively to deliver culturally-specific sexual health services to those historically left behind.”

The awards were presented this week at London’s Hurlingham Club.