England Hits HIV Goals, But Inequality Grows

England has met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV targets, but a new UK Health Security Agency report warns deep inequalities persist.

Currently, 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% are on treatment, and 98% are virally suppressed. Overall diagnoses are declining, putting England on track to cut new cases by 2030.

However, disparities are stark. Testing among Black African heterosexual and bisexual women is just 78%, compared to 95% for gay and bisexual men. PrEP uptake in Black African heterosexuals is under 40%.

Late diagnosis remains high-42% of new cases in 2024 were diagnosed late. Among Black African heterosexual men, that figure rises to 57%.

Nearly half of people living with HIV report experiencing stigma, especially Black African heterosexual men and other ethnic minority groups.

Dr. Tamara Đjuretić called the progress encouraging but warned that stigma and unequal access continue to block prevention and testing, even when services are free through the NHS.