Today’s stats from Public Health England show the UK has now reached the UN’s 90-90-90 target which was set for 2020 with 92% of people living with HIV diagnosed; 98% of those on treatment; and 97% of those have an undetectable viral load, which means they can’t pass on HIV. 
 
Ian Green, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘Ahead of World AIDS Day, it’s fantastic news that the UK has reached the United Nations’ 90-90-90 target. We’re making real progress in the fight against HIV and that should be celebrated. This shows what can be achieved when people affected by HIV, activists, charities, the research community, the NHS and local councils work together.
 
‘But this is far from the end and it’s time for us to be even more ambitious as we work towards ending new HIV transmissions entirely in the UK. That’s because we’re at a pivotal moment and must not jeopardise progress made by being complacent.
 
‘This 90-90-90 target has been our aim for many years and we now need a new and ambitious target. Following today’s news, we urgently want to see UK governments commit to ending new HIV transmissions by 2030 at the latest and set out clear steps to achieve that. This will only be achieved by everyone working together towards a shared vision.
 
‘In the past the UK has led the way when it comes to HIV and that must continue now. HIV can’t be allowed to fall any further down the priority list and must once again become a key focus with clear strategies for ending HIV transmissions put in place and investment in HIV and sexual health services.’
 
On the reason for the progress, Ian Green added: ‘This progress has been achieved through determined activism and by effectively utilising everything at our disposal in the fight against HIV, including access to condoms, regular testing and HIV prevention pill PrEP. High quality health information and advice services are also key in ensuring people have the awareness and up-to-date knowledge to protect themselves from HIV.
 
‘A significant factor is that people living with HIV are now given treatment much sooner after diagnosis, which means the virus becomes undetectable in the blood more quickly and then can’t be passed on to anyone else.
 
‘The 28% drop in new diagnoses we’ve seen since 2015 has been driven by a 31% decline in new diagnoses in gay and bisexual men – particularly by those living in London where there was an incredible 44% fall. To see this level of progress across all groups right across the country, we need to look closely at who is still being diagnosed and what we can do better to target those groups.
 
‘Terrence Higgins Trust is proud to have played a part in the incredible progress made since the very start of the epidemic. We now look to UK governments to step up and commit to ending new HIV infections, and we’ll do whatever we can to help achieve that.’