This is hopeful news from the UK Government:
New HIV transmissions in England have fallen by almost a third since 2019, while fewer people remain unaware of their HIV status as a result of increased testing across the country, according to an update on the HIV Action Plan for England published today.
As part of the HIV Action Plan, NHS England is investing £20 million in the 3 years from 2022 to 2023 to 2024 to 2025 to expand blood borne viruses opt out testing in emergency departments in the local authority areas across the country with the highest prevalence of HIV: London, Brighton, Manchester, Salford and Blackpool. The report published today shows this expanded testing has helped diagnose 2,000 cases of blood-borne viruses – including 343 people living with HIV – in the first year of the programme.
Everyone working in the HIV sector is aware of the challenges facing us in meeting the 2023 goal. It’s critical, however, that we all strive to achieve it – and this news is encouraging in terms of the political commitment. Saving Lives has always believed in the power of testing … and we’ll continue to work on the ground to ensure that potential is realised.
