Almost all (93%) of those diagnosed this way had no prior record of an HIV test. Meaning they would be extremely unlikely to get tested for HIV anywhere else and underlining why this game-changing approach to testing is so important as we focus on ending new HIV cases by 2030.
The data was released at the same time as a major new economic study published in The Lancet HIV, which found opt-out HIV testing in A&Es to be cost-effective and enabling people to start life-saving treatment sooner.
The study estimates that the first 802 new diagnoses from the opt-out programme’s initial phase will prevent around 187 related deaths and 28 new transmissions over the next 20 years.
Ayo was diagnosed this way after being rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary’s A&E. He had been experiencing nerve pains throughout his body and numbness in his face. He was off work, unable to perform his job and his plans to go to university were put on hold.
'If I wasn’t in hospital, I wouldn’t have been tested for HIV,' says Ayo. 'It wasn’t something I thought would affect me in my fifties, but in the blink of an eye, everything changed. Now I know my status, I can protect my wife and stay well for my family.'
In response to the double good news, our Head of Policy Katie Clark said: 'This routine approach to HIV testing in emergency departments has been game changing. We now have very clear evidence that not only does this front-footed approach mean we are diagnosing people who are highly unlikely to be tested anywhere else, but also that it’s excellent value for money.'
Adding: 'The continuation of opt-out HIV testing is crucial as we work to end new HIV cases in England by 2030 and ensure no one – regardless of gender, ethnicity or location – is left behind. The next step is to take the same approach to GPs in areas with a very high HIV prevalence.'
Thank you to everyone who support our work to ensure opt-out HIV testing in the standard in A&Es – because it’s working and changing lives.
