New Public Health England report shows exceptional progress against HIV epidemic, but more needs done to reach 2030 goal of zero transmissions
Public Health England (PHE) has released its latest report on HIV showing that the UK continues to make exceptional progress against the HIV epidemic. You can read the full Public Health England report here.
Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), said: “This continued decline in HIV transmissions demonstrates what can be achieved through a combination of prevention activities. To reach its goal to stop transmissions by 2030 rather than just slow them there is much more for the Government to do.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV prevention drug. In England it is currently available privately or through a trial in participating sexual health clinics.
“Treatment enables people to live long, healthy lives and prevents onward transmission of HIV. Yet there are still 7,500 people living with undiagnosed HIV, not able to access this treatment and late diagnosis is persistently high (43%).
“The Government must once and for all deliver the funding necessary to enable routine commissioning of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) as part of a comprehensive and properly funded sexual health service.
“NAT wholeheartedly welcomes PHE’s recommendation for full implementation of existing testing guidelines to deliver a much needed increase in testing coverage in sexual health services and other settings such as GPs, the community and in prisons.
“The independent HIV Commission is working on further recommendations for how to reach our shared target of ending HIV transmissions by 2030. The Government must take on board its recommendations when it reports this Spring and be willing to be bold and ambitious.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.