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New HIV report findings
New HIV report findings
| A new report published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows shows progress in HIV, but inequalities persist in access to testing, PrEP and early diagnosis.
The report shows that the trend in HIV diagnoses in England have continued to fall, with England meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets again — with 95% of people living with HIV having been diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed receiving treatment and 98% of people on treatment having suppressed viral loads, meaning the virus is undetectable in their blood. Over 1.3 million people were tested for HIV through sexual health services in 2024. However, testing uptake was lowest among Black African heterosexual and bisexual women (78%) and other ethnic minority heterosexuals (79%), compared to over 95% among gay and bisexual men. UKHSA is reminding the public that condom use, testing and PrEP remain the most effective ways to prevent HIV for sexually active people. HIV tests and PrEP are free and confidential through the NHS and local sexual health services. Condoms can also be accessed free in Devon & Torbay. For young people aged under 24, free condoms and lube are available through the Doink condom scheme, free condoms are also available at sexual health clinics and through the Eddystone condom direct scheme. You can check availability by searching ‘Find free condom services – NHS’. |