Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a £170 million HIV action plan on Dec. 1 aimed at ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030. The initiative, unveiled on World Aids Day, introduces expanded testing, increased digital access to home kits, and targeted support for people who have fallen out of HIV care.
Opt-Out Testing in Major Cities
The HIV action plan’s central measure introduces opt-out HIV testing during routine blood work in Accident & Emergency departments. The Department for Health and Social Care said the programme will begin in regions with the highest HIV prevalence, including London and Manchester. Officials expect the approach to identify thousands of undiagnosed cases among people who do not typically visit sexual health clinics.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government is committed to meeting the 2030 goal. “I promised to end HIV transmissions in England by 2030 and we are making this a reality thanks to our HIV action plan,” he said. He cited the prevention programme, at-home tests available through the NHS App, and expanded hospital testing as key components.
Support for Patients out of Care
The strategy also focuses on re-engaging an estimated 5,000 people living with HIV who are not currently receiving treatment. The department said many disengaged patients face challenges such as mental health conditions, addiction, poverty, or fear of judgement in medical settings.
To address stigma, hospital staff in participating trusts will receive anti-stigma training. The training aims to ensure patients feel safe seeking care regardless of their HIV status.
A £5 million trial, announced on Nov. 30, will allow at-risk individuals to order home HIV tests through the NHS App. Officials said the digital option offers a discreet way for people to get tested, receive results securely, and connect with their GP or local clinics.
Streeting said the advances in treatment support a strong push to eliminate new transmissions. “HIV treatment has been transformed. Today, people living with HIV can enjoy full, healthy lives – and can’t pass the virus on to others. But we can go further,” he said. “Ending new HIV transmissions by 2030 is ambitious – and this government is determined to make it happen.”
Sector Welcomes Expanded Funding
Anne Aslett, chief executive of The Elton John Aids Foundation, welcomed the HIV action plan and the increased investment in opt-out testing. She said the model, first piloted by her organisation in 2018, has shown strong results. “Over 90% of people newly diagnosed in emergency departments had never been tested for HIV before,” she said. She added that the additional £9 million for retaining the estimated 12,000 people currently out of care is “crucial for keeping people healthy and stopping onward transmission.”
Aslett noted that prevention remains essential to meeting the national goal. She said wider access to PrEP, the preventive medication, is necessary for long-term progress.
Streeting acknowledged the role of campaigners and healthcare providers in reducing HIV transmission rates in recent years. “Ending new HIV transmissions by 2030 – a history making, world changing goal – is within reach,” he said. “This government will now put its shoulder to the wheel to deliver this change.”
The department said the HIV action plan will continue to evolve as data from hospitals, community programmes, and the NHS App inform future decisions.
