For the first time in a decade the number of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals are higher than in gay and bisexual men, according to new figures for England from the UK Health Security Agency as National HIV Testing Week launches today (February 7).
Half of all new HIV diagnoses were in heterosexuals (49%) in England in 2020 compared to 45% in gay and bisexual men. This news comes as free HIV test kits are made available for National HIV Testing Week, with anyone who’s sexually active encouraged to test and know their HIV status.
The figures showing the changing shape of the domestic HIV epidemic come despite a drop of a third (33%) in HIV testing in sexual health services among heterosexuals during 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to a fall of just 7% among gay and bisexual men. This makes the number of diagnoses among heterosexuals passing gay and bisexual men even more significant as it comes despite a decrease in testing.
Heterosexuals were also far more likely to be diagnosed late, meaning damage to the immune system has already begun. More than half (51%) of women, 55% of heterosexual men and 66% of those aged 65 and over diagnosed with HIV in 2020 were diagnosed at a late stage. This compares to just 29% of gay and bisexual men. This is likely driven by a belief that they are not at risk of HIV which is often reinforced by healthcare professionals.
Jackie, a heterosexual woman living with HIV, said: “Not only did I never consider I could be living with HIV, neither did my doctor. I had no idea that women could get HIV until I tested positive. If you have ever been sexually active you should test regularly, it only takes once unprotected. Knowing your status is best for you and everyone else in your life.
“Recent developments mean HIV testing is free, quick and easy and HIV treatment is effective at controlling the virus and means I can’t pass on the virus to anyone else. HIV can affect anyone, so everyone should test.”
Gay and bisexual men are still more impacted by HIV relative to population size, but targeted interventions for this group have led to one of the big success stories of the epidemic. New HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men began to fall in 2014 and that has continued every year since, with a fall of 70% between 2014 and 2020. The drop is most pronounced among white men and among those living in London.
The fall in diagnoses among gay and bisexual men is a result of the growing availability of HIV prevention pill PrEP and targeted promotion of routine HIV testing followed by the rapid initiation of HIV treatment for those diagnosed, meaning they are more quickly virally suppressed and cannot pass on HIV.
It is hoped that with greater awareness, increased testing and better access to PrEP for heterosexuals this can be replicated across the wider population. The message from leading HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is that HIV can affect anyone and everyone needs to know how to protect themselves against HIV – regardless of sexuality, gender, ethnicity or age.
Increased HIV testing is crucial as it is estimated that around 5% of people living with HIV in the UK (4,660) are unaware, which can adversely affect their health and means they may pass HIV on. The UK is aiming to end new HIV cases by 2030 which is why maximising every opportunity for HIV testing is necessary for achieving that aim.
Free HIV tests kits to do at home can be ordered via startswithme.org.uk during National HIV Testing Week or you can visit your local sexual health clinic.
Taku Mukiwa, Head of Health Programmes at THT, said: “For the first time in a decade there are more heterosexuals than gay and bisexual men being diagnosed with HIV. Heterosexuals also saw a far steeper drop in testing for HIV during the Covid-19 lockdown and are far more likely to be diagnosed late.
“That’s why we need to see more heterosexuals getting tested to avoid anyone living with undiagnosed HIV for a long time. This is important for their own health as well as for efforts to stop HIV being passed on as the vast majority of people get HIV from someone who is unaware they have it.”
Kate Folkard, Interim Deputy Director of the HIV Division at the UK Health Security Agency, added: “We must address inequalities and find creative ways to achieve a reduction in transmission across all populations.To end HIV transmission, we need to diagnose people early, start treatment promptly and support people to continue with their treatment. Detecting HIV early allows effective treatment to start sooner and people diagnosed can expect to have a normal life expectancy.
“In addition, people living with HIV who are treated and maintain an undetectable level of virus cannot pass HIV, known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). We encourage everyone to take up the offer of a free test, only by knowing your HIV status can you be empowered to take action. Through the HIV Action Plan, we will continue to work together with our partners across the health system to reach our goal of ending HIV transmission by 2030.”
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