Time to read
The work that we do at National AIDS Trust is so important – from amplifying the voices of minoritised communities and campaigning to redress inequalities in fertility legislation, to correcting inaccuracies in media reporting around HIV, and supporting people who have experienced discrimination because of their status.
On a day-to-day basis it can sometimes be hard to get an overview of what progress we are making, and what still needs to be done. So as we reach the end of another year, it’s important to reflect on where we are, not just in our own work but for the wider picture in the UK and abroad.
The UK’s progress to 2030 targets
The latest evaluation report from the UKHSA on the HIV Action Plan, released in November, warned, for the first time, that it is “unlikely” that England will reach the plan’s targets for 2025. This is clearly a major cause for concern – if we are to reach the 2030 goal of ending HIV transmissions, we must get on track.
We have seen this year some welcome action to start to turn this around. A new Government meant fresh enthusiasm, and commitment at the highest levels, as we saw at Keir Starmer’s World AIDS Day reception at Downing Street, when he announced an expansion of the vital opt-out testing programme and a personal undertaking to meet the 2030 target.
Working with our friends at Terrence Higgins Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we held conversations across the sector and highlighted key recommendations to inform what the next HIV Action Plan in England must deliver. It won’t be easy but with effort and determination it can happen. Our six key goals are:
- HIV prevention should be the responsibility of the whole health service.
- Everyone in England should be able to get an HIV and STI test at home.
- We must find everyone living with undiagnosed HIV.
- Everyone who can benefit from PrEP should be able to access it, including online.
- Everyone living with HIV should have the support they need to access care.
- Everyone living with HIV must feel safe and confident in every healthcare setting that they go to.
HIV is a global cause
And although we are the UK’s national HIV rights charity, we also know that what we do here in the UK does not happen in isolation. The 2030 goal is a global one. In 2023, there were 1.3 million new HIV transmissions, a decrease of 39% from 2010, and 60% from 1995. Progress is happening, and we will continue to work with partners, sharing information and knowledge, and supporting people as they move between countries, to ensure their treatment and wellbeing outcomes remain the best possible.
Key to achieving the 2030 goals will be realising the potential of new scientific developments, with longer-lasting injectable pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) now on the horizon. This can be a fundamental addition to the armoury of prevention that will surely play a central part in ending the epidemic.
The story of HIV is always one of people
But leaving aside statistics, medications and policies, as 2024 draws to a close it is important to remember that at the heart of our work are the people that HIV has affected. Behind each number or percentage point is a person, who has the right to live a fulfilling, healthy and happy life, free from prejudice and stigma.
Our relaunched website centres just some of those lives – from the pictures of people living with HIV who generously agreed to model for it, to the real-life stories showcased; and this year’s World AIDS Day materials could also not have been produced without people like Maggie, John, Seb and Winnie who are each fighting HIV stigma by telling their stories. Thank you to each of them, and to everyone who plays their part, whether through advocacy, campaigning, volunteering, providing peer support, or for sharing your experiences.
This year we fought for justice for Manuel Guerrero – unfairly arrested after a Grindr sting and subjected to inhumane treatment in Qatar including having his HIV medication withheld. Working with him and supporting his family served as a reminder about how many people worldwide are not able to live their lives freely and without discrimination.
A big legislative victory this year was for equal fertility rights. Our supporter Alan articulated the real-life impact of the success of the campaign, when he said:
“I remember hearing the announcement that the legislation was going to be changed – just a short mention in Parliament in October 2023. A friend texted to tell me, and I just couldn’t believe it, until I saw it with my own eyes, popping up on my screen while I was at work.
I thought: It’s just literally given me my dreams back”
So while we can look back at last year with a sense of accomplishment at what we have collectively achieved with our partners and allies, we know that we need to start 2025 with renewed determination to get the right things in place, to give us the best chance of ending new transmissions by 2030 – fighting against stigma and for equality every step of the way.