England sees continued fall in new diagnoses
New HIV diagnoses in England have fallen for the sixth year running, according to new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – marking a major step towards ending HIV transmission across the country.
The latest figures show 3,043 new cases were recorded in 2024, down 4% from the previous year. Deaths among people living with HIV also dropped by 14%, from 751 to 643.
England has again met the UNAIDS global targets for prevention and treatment, with 95% of people living with HIV diagnosed, 99% receiving treatment, and 98% achieving viral suppression – meaning they cannot pass the virus on through sex.
Testing and prevention on the rise
The rollout of HIV prevention medication (PrEP) continues to be a major success story, with uptake rising 7.7% last year. More than 111,000 people are now accessing the drug through NHS services.
HIV testing in sexual health clinics increased by 3%, while 85% of partners identified through contact tracing were tested – a process that led to hundreds of new diagnoses and earlier treatment.
Gaps among young and minority groups
Despite the progress, UKHSA warned that testing rates among 15 to 24-year-olds fell by 7%, and this group had the lowest treatment rates and viral suppression levels. Access to PrEP also remains uneven, with uptake particularly low among Black African heterosexual men and women.
Dr Tamara Djuretic, head of HIV at UKHSA, said: “It’s excellent to see new HIV diagnoses fall and our continued success in meeting UNAIDS targets. However, we’re concerned about poorer outcomes among young people, who are at a crucial stage for establishing healthy sexual behaviours.”
She urged anyone sexually active to get tested regularly: “HIV tests and PrEP are free and confidential through the NHS. Early diagnosis can be lifesaving, and treatment today allows people to live long, healthy lives.”
Building on success
The Department of Health and Social Care, alongside NHS England and public health partners, is developing a new HIV Action Plan to target inequalities and ensure progress continues across all communities.
The UK remains one of the few countries in the world on track to meet the 2030 goal of ending new HIV transmissions – a public health milestone built on early testing, prevention, and world-leading treatment outcomes.
