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Daniel Fluskey, Director of Policy, responds to the latest NHS data showing 2,000 unidentified HIV cases have been found through opt-out A&E testing:
“A&E opt-out testing is the most significant development in HIV testing in years. The data released today shows once again that it is delivering clear results; reaching people who would otherwise never test, supporting people back into treatment and providing vital peer support for those diagnosed.
Opt-out testing is essential to destigmatising testing and achieving the UK’s goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030. We welcome the continued funding and commitment set out in the recent HIV Action Plan.
The lessons of the success of opt-out testing programme must now be used to inform where and how we can expand testing in other areas and settings to find the approximately 6,000 people living with undiagnosed HIV.”