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HIV

HIV Diagnoses in England Fall, but Disparities Persist

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency show that 2,773 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in England in 2024, a decline of two percent from 2,838 in 2023. However, the number of new diagnoses in some areas, such as Sheffield, increased, with 32 new cases in 2024, up from 30 the previous year. Despite progress, disparities remain around access to HIV prevention medication, and awareness and support charities are urging the government to scale up testing and improve access to PrEP.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of new HIV diagnoses in England decreased by two percent in 2024, from 2,838 to 2,773.
  • There were 32 new HIV diagnoses in Sheffield in 2024, an increase from 30 the previous year.
  • The number of people tested in sexual health services increased by three percent to 1.3 million in 2024.
  • 76% of people who attended a sexual health service and were found to be at risk of acquiring HIV initiated or continued taking PrEP, with this figure standing at 67% in Sheffield.
  • The NHS has approved a new long-acting injectable medication, cabotegravir, for people who are unable to use PrEP.
  • HIV awareness and support charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust, is urging the government to scale up testing and improve access to PrEP, particularly for young people and those from marginalized communities.
  • Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, has stated that England will be the first country to end HIV transmissions by 2030, with the new injectable medication being a key tool in achieving this goal.

Statistics:

  • 2,773 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in England in 2024, a decline of two percent from 2,838 in 2023.
  • There were 32 new HIV diagnoses in Sheffield in 2024, an increase from 30 the previous year.
  • 1.3 million people were tested in sexual health services in 2024, a three percent increase from the previous year.
  • 76% of people who attended a sexual health service and were found to be at risk of acquiring HIV initiated or continued taking PrEP.
  • 67% of people in Sheffield who were found to be at risk of acquiring HIV initiated or continued taking PrEP.
  • 1,000 patients who are unable to use PrEP will have access to the new injectable medication.

Sources:

  • The Star
  • UK Health Security Agency
  • Terrence Higgins Trust
  • NHS
  • The Telegraph

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