England has once again met the UNAIDS 95‑95‑95 HIV targets, according to a newly published report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The data shows continued progress in reducing HIV diagnoses, strengthening treatment outcomes and suppressing viral transmission - but with stark inequalities that threaten progress for some communities.
The findings are published in the HIV Action Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Framework 2026 report, using 2024 data to assess England’s position on HIV prevention, treatment and care. The report tracks progress against the ambitions of the HIV Action Plan for England 2025 to 2030.
England has again achieved the internationally recognised UNAIDS 95‑95‑95 targets, meaning:
- 95% of people living with HIV have been diagnosed
- 95% of those diagnosed are receiving treatment
- 98% of people on treatment have a suppressed viral load, making the virus undetectable and untransmittable
This places England among the leading countries globally for HIV treatment and care outcomes.
Under the HIV Action Plan, England aims to reduce new HIV diagnoses to 532 by 2030, a 90% reduction from 2010 levels, and reduce AIDS‑related deaths to 27, representing an 80% reduction from 2010.
While the report suggests these goals are achievable overall, progress is not evenly distributed.
The report highlights that Black African communities and ethnic minority gay and bisexual men are significantly less likely to benefit from current prevention and testing approaches without urgent, targeted action.
In 2024, more than 1.3 million people were tested for HIV through sexual health services. However, uptake varied sharply:
- 78% among Black African heterosexual and bisexual women
- 79% among other ethnic minority heterosexuals
- Over 95% among gay and bisexual men
Pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication that prevents HIV, continues to expand nationally. Since its NHS rollout in 2020, uptake has increased year on year, reaching a record 111,123 users in 2024.
Among gay and bisexual men, PrEP coverage is approaching 80% of those identified as having a PrEP need. However, uptake remains below 40% among Black African heterosexuals, reinforcing concerns about unequal access to prevention.
Despite overall improvements, 42% of people diagnosed with HIV in 2024 were diagnosed late, increasing health risks and the likelihood of onward transmission.
Late diagnosis disproportionately affects Black African communities:
- 57% of Black African heterosexual men diagnosed late
- 45% of Black African heterosexual women diagnosed late
The report links late diagnosis to stigma, fear of discrimination and unequal access to services. Nearly half (45%) of people living with HIV reported experiencing stigma, with the highest levels reported among black African heterosexual men (49%), and other ethnic minority heterosexuals (48%).
Dr Tamara Đjuretić, Consultant Epidemiologist and Head of HIV Section at UKHSA, said:
“It is encouraging to see HIV diagnoses continue to decrease overall, and England meeting the UNAIDS targets. However, we are concerned that progress is not equal for all.
“PrEP uptake is still far lower in Black African communities and a number of different factors, including stigma, is stopping people in the community from accessing this effective prevention intervention. S+tigma can cost lives, and we all have a part to play in changing that.
“Condom use, testing and PrEP are the most effective ways to prevent HIV for sexually active people. HIV tests and PrEP are free and confidential through the NHS and local sexual health services. Condoms can also be accessed free across some parts of the country – please check availability by searching ‘Find free condom services – NHS’.
“If you do test positive, treatment is highly effective, and you can expect to live a long, healthy life.”
The report makes clear that England’s HIV ambitions remain within reach, but only if prevention, testing and treatment are designed with equity at their core. Without targeted action to address stigma and access barriers, national success risks masking persistent and avoidable inequalities.
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