A new HIV Action Plan will be published by summer 2025, Andrew Gwynne MP, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, has announced.
According to sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust, an updated plan is “vital if we are to achieve the goal of ending new cases of HIV in England by 2030”.
The Minister made the announcement at the HIV Prevention England Conference 2024, organised by Terrence Higgins Trust as part of the HIV Prevention England programme which is commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care.
In his speech, the Minister highlighted successes of recent years, such as the introduction of opt-out testing for HIV, Hep B and Hep C in A&E departments, saying: “It has probably saved more than a thousand lives in its first two years alone.” Opt-out testing is now being rolled out in all high-prevalence areas in England due to a successful campaign led by Terrence Higgins Trust.
Over the next few months, Terrence Higgins Trust wants to play its part in shaping the new HIV Action Plan. Through its collaboration with National AIDS Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the sexual health charity is gathering together the expertise and opinions of the HIV community through round-tables and a survey where you can give your views.
Terrence Higgins Trust said: “The announcement of this new HIV Action Plan is an exciting step, giving us an opportunity together to end an epidemic and improve the lives of people living with HIV.
“Your support over the lifetime of the next HIV Action Plan will be vital to get to no new cases by 2030, whether through our HIV prevention programmes, holding Government to account, or our work to support people living with HIV and end stigma.”
