As World AIDS Day approaches, the UK government has reinforced its determination to end new HIV transmissions within England by 2030.
In a recent address at a reception in No10, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the government’s pledge, highlighting significant progress and new initiatives to achieve this ambitious goal.
Commitment to Ending HIV Transmission
The Prime Minister’s statement comes on the heels of a comprehensive update on the HIV Action Plan for England. Launched in 2019, this plan aims to reduce new HIV transmissions by 80% by 2025 and eliminate them entirely by 2030.
The plan is built around four objectives of: prevent, test, treat, and retain, ensuring fair access to HIV prevention programs, enhanced testing, rapid treatment, and ongoing care for those living with HIV.
Progress and New Initiatives
Since the launch of the HIV Action Plan, England has seen a notable decline in new HIV diagnoses. Between 2019 and 2021, new HIV diagnoses fell by almost a third, and AIDS diagnoses decreased by over a fifth.
This reduction is attributed to increased testing efforts, including a £20 million investment by NHS England to expand opt-out testing for blood-borne viruses in high-prevalence areas such as London, Brighton, Manchester, Salford, and Blackpool.
This initiative has already led to the diagnosis of 2,000 cases of blood-borne viruses, including 343 people living with HIV, in the first year alone.
Addressing Late Diagnoses and Stigma
Despite the progress, late HIV diagnoses remain a significant concern. People diagnosed with late-stage HIV infection face a tenfold higher risk of death within a year compared to those diagnosed promptly. To address this, the government is focusing on improving access to testing and treatment.
The recent National HIV Testing Week saw almost 22,000 HIV testing kits ordered, including self-testing kits for the first time.
This increased accessibility is crucial in reducing undiagnosed HIV cases and ensuring that those living with HIV achieve undetectable viral loads, thereby preventing transmission.
Funding and Awareness
In addition to expanded testing, the government has committed over £3.5 million to a national HIV prevention program aimed at raising awareness of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. This program includes education on testing and prevention strategies, which are vital in driving down infections.
Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said:
This significant investment is a brilliant first step from a government with a manifesto commitment to end new HIV cases by 2030. The programme extension will fund millions more HIV tests in England next year. 81 A&Es taking an opt-out approach to HIV testing will save lives, tackle inequalities and save money.
This is a promising sign that the government is serious when it says the new HIV Action Plan for England will get us on track to end new HIV cases by 2030. Britain might be in pole position to be first country to end the HIV epidemic but countries like France, the Netherlands and Australia are hot on our heels.
We must meet our ambition with yet more action, including more funding for over-stretched sexual health services – this announcement today is a sign the government gets that.
Looking Forward
As the UK moves closer to its 2030 goal, the focus will remain on refining the approach to ensure everyone at risk receives the necessary support.
Professor Kevin Fenton, the government’s Chief Advisor on HIV, highlighted the ongoing work to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV and to address stigma through awareness and education.
With continued investment and collaboration between health agencies and voluntary sectors, the end of HIV transmission in England is increasingly within sight.
Next Steps in the Journey
The government’s commitment is clear: this generation will be the one to end new cases of HIV within England. As the UK continues on this path, it is essential to maintain the momentum through increased testing, access to prevention measures like PrEP, and ensuring those diagnosed start treatment promptly.
The collective effort of health professionals, campaigners, and the public will be crucial in achieving this landmark goal.
Sources: THX News, Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP & The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP.
