Trailblazing scheme to reconnect thousands with HIV treatment

Source: Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, UKHSA, 1 December 2025

Thousands of people across England will benefit from improved HIV testing and treatment under a new action plan designed to end new transmissions by 2030.

The Action Plan, unveiled by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting today [Monday 1 December], tackles the stigma that remains a barrier for too many people – fear of judgement and discrimination means some people avoid getting tested, leaving infections undiagnosed and untreated.

At the heart of the plan is a first of its kind national programme will find and support people who are not accessing lifesaving HIV treatment and bring them back into care.

HIV is now entirely manageable – with the right treatment, people can live long, healthy lives and cannot pass the virus onto others.

Around 5,000 people are no longer in care, with reasons including mental health issues, addiction, poverty or fear of judgement.

This targeted support is particularly crucial for groups who are more likely to face problems including racism, stigma, poverty and housing issues that can make their lives more difficult.