The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published its HIV Action Plan for England, 2025 to 2030, which sets out how the government will reach its ambition of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.
A new scheme included in the report will see thousands of people benefit from improved HIV testing and treatment under a new action plan. The HIV Action Plan for England, 2025 to 2030, unveiled by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting on 1 December, tackles the stigma that remains a barrier for too many people - fear of judgement and discrimination means some people avoid getting tested, leaving infections undiagnosed and untreated.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “We’re making progress - 95% of people living with HIV now know they have the virus. But around 4,700 people remain undiagnosed, including one in three in Black African communities and higher rates of late diagnosis in older age groups.
“People need testing that meets them where they are, in ways that feel safe and accessible. We need to make starting PrEP straightforward for anyone who wants it, with particular focus on heterosexual and Black communities who are being failed by current disparities. And when someone is diagnosed, they should get consistent, respectful support that helps them stay on treatment and stay engaged in care. This £170 million HIV action plan delivers on these priorities, enabling continued progress towards our 2030 goal.”
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England’s National Medical Director, said: “The NHS is fully behind this action plan, which gives us the tools to diagnose people earlier, reconnect those who are not currently receiving care, and ensure every person living with HIV receives support without stigma. Alongside opt-out HIV testing in A&E, we are launching a new £5 million digital trial so people can order home testing kits through the NHS App - making it easier and more discreet than ever to get checked.”
The action plan, backed by over £170 million, is also continuing funding for testing in A&E, meaning any patient having a routine blood test will automatically be tested for HIV - unless they choose not to. This testing programme is being delivered across areas with the highest rates, including London and Manchester, reaching thousands of people with undiagnosed infections who might never otherwise visit a sexual health clinic.
A groundbreaking £5 million trial will see home HIV testing kits ordered at the touch of a button through the NHS App. The trial will allow at-risk patients to order home HIV tests seamlessly, receive results securely, and contact their GP or sexual health clinics - all from their phone.
The action plan comes as new UKHSA analysis published today shows HIV testing in England must adapt to reach the groups that need it most. The report reveals that while 95% of people with HIV are diagnosed, around 4,700 people remain undiagnosed - with additional investments in emergency department testing alone insufficient to reach all those in need.
Gaps remain in testing in lower prevalence areas and general practice settings that reach out to those who need prompt testing, including ethnic minority heterosexual populations and people aged 50 years and over.