Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the Government's ambitious pledge to end new HIV transmissions in England by 2030 is now firmly within sight. The announcement coincides with World AIDS Day, as Health Secretary Wes Streeting unveils a comprehensive new action plan backed by £170 million in funding.
New Action Plan and Funding
The cornerstone of the Government's strategy is a significant financial commitment to ramp up testing and support services. The Prime Minister emphasised that the goal is becoming a reality through a multi-pronged approach. This includes a groundbreaking new HIV prevention programme, the availability of at-home tests via the NHS app, and the expansion of opt-out testing in emergency departments across regions with high prevalence, such as London and Manchester.
Mr Starmer stated: "I promised to end HIV transmissions in England by 2030 and we are making this a reality thanks to our action plan." He highlighted the practical measures being implemented to reach thousands of people with undiagnosed infections who might not otherwise visit a sexual health clinic.
Tackling Stigma and The Science of 'Undetectable'
Health Secretary Wes Streeting pointed to the transformative nature of modern HIV treatment, noting that individuals on effective medication can live full, healthy lives. Crucially, when a person's viral load becomes undetectable, the virus is untransmittable to sexual partners.
This scientific reality is central to challenging the persistent stigma surrounding HIV. The action plan specifically aims to re-engage people who have left care and tackle misconceptions through education and widespread testing.
Personal stories underscore this progress. Alan, a 49-year-old straight man living with HIV, challenged outdated perceptions, stating, "You take one pill a day, that's it." He urged more heterosexual men to become aware of HIV, noting that around one in five men diagnosed are straight.
Claire, a 43-year-old mother of three, shared her positive experience, confirming that an undetectable viral load means the virus cannot be passed on. "I could bleed out in the middle of the shopping street and I can't give it to anybody," she said, adding, "I would sooner have HIV than diabetes."
Grassroots Support and National Ambition
The Government also announced a £5 million trial for home HIV testing kits that can be ordered directly through the NHS App, making testing more accessible than ever.
Eugene Lynch, Director of Delivery at the Terrence Higgins Trust, voiced strong support for the government's ambition. "If we can be the first country to end the onward transmission of HIV, we can prove that it's possible," he said. He emphasised that the challenge is now a political decision, not a scientific one, setting a crucial precedent for the rest of the world.
With this new action plan, the UK government is signalling a determined push to make the 2030 target a historic achievement in public health.
