The UK Government has announced it is committing to ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030. The announcement was made by the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Matt Hancock MP, during a speech at a major global HIV/AIDS summit in London. Speaking at the summit, Matt Hancock said, ‘We’re setting a new goal: eradicating HIV transmission in England by 2030. No new infections within the next decade. Becoming one of the first countries to reach the UN zero infections target by 2030.’ This news follows the UK meeting the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets in November 2018, ahead of the 2020 deadline, with 92% of people living with HIV diagnosed, 98% of those on treatment, and 97% of those having an undetectable viral load – which means they can’t pass on HIV. Ian Green, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘Today’s commitment is a seminal moment in the fight to end new HIV transmissions in England. In becoming one of the first nations to make such a commitment, the Government has shown decisive leadership on HIV and we applaud them for making this pledge. The clock has now started ticking towards the end of HIV transmissions in England. Today’s commitment demonstrates that the Government has listened to our demand for a bold vision on HIV. Now it must act upon our call to ensure services and interventions are urgently put in place to ensure that by 2030 this pledge is made a reality.’
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