HIV diagnoses are falling in England, but concerns remain
- Healthwatch Wokingham
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Latest Government data shows that whilst HIV diagnoses in England are continuing to decline, there is still concern about reaching certain populations.
The data
In 2024, new HIV diagnoses fell by about 4 %, from 3,169 in 2023 to 3,043
England has now met key global HIV targets for six years in a row:
• 95 % of people living with HIV have been diagnosed.
• Of those diagnosed, 99 % are receiving treatment.
• 98 % of those on treatment have a suppressed viral load (this means the virus is controlled and cannot be passed on).
In 2024, there was a 7.7% increase in people accessing PrEP (a medication people can take before being exposed to HIV to prevent infection), reaching 111,123 users.
Overall, HIV testing in sexual health services rose by 3 %.
Contact tracing remains effective; 85 % of partners of newly diagnosed people were tested, finding HIV in about 5 % of those contacts.
Deaths among people living with HIV dropped by 14 %, from 751 to 643.
Areas of concern
Despite the successes mentioned above, the data highlights some concerning trends:
HIV testing rates fell by 7 % for 15-24 year olds, even though testing rates rose in other age groups.
Among those diagnosed in the age range of 15-24 years, only:
• 96 % are receiving treatment versus 99 % in other age groups
• 91 % achieve viral suppression versus 98 % overall)
These gaps are concerning because this is an age range where people develop their sexual behaviours and habits.
Late diagnosis remains a problem: 42 % of all new HIV cases were diagnosed late.
Among Black African heterosexuals, about half of diagnoses were late — compared to under one third among gay and bisexual men
There was unequal access to PrEP across different groups. For example, uptake is highest among white and ethnic minority gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, but much lower among Black African heterosexual men and women.
There are geographic differences: while diagnoses are decreasing in London, they are rising in some areas outside London among heterosexual men.
The government, NHS, and partners are working on a new HIV Action Plan to tackle these concerns. The plan is due to be published later this year.
To read more about these findings, please visit: HIV diagnoses fall in England - GOV.UK
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