Advancements in the fight against HIV: ending new transmissions in the UK
HIV awareness ribbons (Credit: Hongqi Zhang / Alamy Stock Photo)
4 min read
The United Kingdom has made significant strides in the battle against HIV, transforming it from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition.
Through comprehensive efforts in testing, treatment and public awareness, the UK has achieved remarkable things – reducing the impact of HIV on individuals and society. However, despite these accomplishments, the fight against HIV is far from over.
The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy revolutionised HIV management, enabling individuals living with HIV to lead longer and healthier lives. Access to testing, effective treatment and regular monitoring has improved, ensuring early diagnosis and – because treatment stops HIV being passed on – reducing onward transmissions.
To end new transmissions of HIV in the UK, it is crucial to address health inequalities that contribute to disparities in HIV rates
While stigma remains an ever-present reality of life for many people living with HIV, there is enormous potential for messages like “undetectable=untransmissible” (referring to an undetectable or suppressed viral load from effective treatment) to fly in the face of fears and preconceptions about HIV. The knowledge that treatment means that the virus cannot be passed on to sexual partners has been incredibly powerful to people living with HIV, helping to tackle feelings of self-stigma and supporting more open discussion about the condition.
The implementation of innovative testing strategies, such as home-based self-testing kits and rapid point-of-care testing, has increased the accessibility and acceptability of HIV testing. Campaigns like National HIV Testing Week and the It Starts With Me campaign have successfully encouraged individuals to know their HIV status. Prompt diagnosis allows for early access to treatment and care, reducing the risk of onward transmission.
Further, the piloted introduction of opt-out HIV testing for anyone who has bloods taken in emergency departments has also been a game changer, finding not only those who did not know they were living with HIV but those lost to care. It demonstrates the acceptability of testing for HIV on an opt-out basis to the general public, further challenging HIV and HIV testing exceptionalism. This scheme now needs to be rolled out to other parts of the UK other than London, Manchester, Brighton and Blackpool.
Prevention, alongside testing, remains a key pillar in the fight against HIV in the UK. Comprehensive programmes, including targeted education, distribution of condoms, and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), have played a crucial role in reducing new infections. PrEP, a daily medication for individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV, has proven highly effective in preventing new transmissions. The availability of PrEP through the NHS has expanded access and empowered individuals to take control of their sexual health.
Now, to end new transmissions of HIV in the UK, it is crucial to address health inequalities that contribute to disparities in HIV rates. Re-focusing efforts on marginalised populations, including ethnic minorities, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs, is vital. Tailored interventions, culturally sensitive outreach programmes, and community engagement can help bridge the gaps in healthcare access and reduce transmission rates among these groups. Tackling societal stigma, discrimination, and homophobia also play a significant role in creating an inclusive environment that promotes HIV prevention and care for all.
The UK has achieved commendable progress in the fight against HIV, transforming it from a once-devastating disease to a manageable condition. Improved testing and diagnosis, effective treatment and care and programmes that address health inequalities have been key. But, to end new transmissions of HIV in the UK, sustained investment in prevention is essential. Accessibility to PrEP outside of sexual health settings and the expansion of opt-out testing are just some of the crucial ways to address prevailing inequalities in HIV. We must focus on addressing health disparities, combatting stigma, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all communities.
Steve Brine, Conservative MP for Winchester and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group HIV and AIDS. David Mundell, Conservative MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group HIV and AIDS. Baroness Barker, Liberal Democrat peer and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group HIV and AIDS. LLoyd Russell-Moyle, Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and vice chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group HIV and AIDS
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