World Aids Day: More HIV testing can help end new cases in England by 2030, says Streeting

Home testing kits ordered via the NHS app and HIV testing in A&E departments are part of a £170m programme targeting people who have not yet been diagnosed with the virus. The expanded testing will focus on areas with the highest infection rates, including London and Manchester.

 Monday 1 December 2025 – 07:22, UK

Extra testing brings 2030 goal “within reach”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the government’s aim of ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030 is now “within reach”, thanks to a new HIV action plan launched to mark World AIDS Day. A key part of the plan is to help people who have fallen out of care to return to treatment.

The £170m scheme will include HIV testing during routine blood tests in selected A&E departments. These hospitals are located in regions with the highest HIV prevalence.

At-home test kits for greater privacy

A £5m trial will also introduce free at-home HIV testing kits, available through the NHS app. Users will receive results securely, giving people who may be anxious about visiting a sexual health clinic a discreet and convenient way to get tested.

According to the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), the aim is to reach thousands of people with undiagnosed HIV—especially those who may never attend a clinic.

The programme will also focus on reconnecting around 5,000 people living with HIV who are no longer in treatment, often due to mental health challenges, addiction, financial hardship, or fear of stigma.

“No one left behind”

Streeting said:
“Our national re-engagement programme targets the epidemic where it is growing, leaving no one behind. We will bring people back into life-saving care and find infections early, when treatment works best. Thanks to determined campaigners, ending new HIV transmissions by 2030 is now a real possibility.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the initiative as a “groundbreaking new HIV prevention programme”.

Concerns about slow progress

However, HIV activist Harun Tulunay told Sky News he does not believe the 2030 target will be achieved, saying progress is still “very slow”.

Tulunay argued that key groups—such as heterosexual people and the Black African community—are not being effectively reached, despite rising diagnosis rates.
“We have amazing tools, but no campaign to make everyone aware, and no strategy for sexual health education,” he said.

Stigma remains a major barrier

Around 112,000 people in the UK are living with HIV, including more than 5,200 who are undiagnosed, according to the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Part of the government’s goal is to reduce the stigma around HIV. Ellie Harrison, who tested positive at age 21, said she has lost friends because of misinformation and fear.
“People’s reactions came from a lack of knowledge,” she said. “Many simply know very little about HIV.”

Streeting added that although people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives, many still experience stigma—even from friends.
“The closer we get to 2030, the harder it becomes if stigma persists,” he warned. “If people think ‘this can’t happen to me’ and avoid testing, that will be one of the biggest obstacles.”