In 2022, HIV testing among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) reached an all-time high in the UK, with continuous declines in diagnoses within this group. However, disparities persist, emphasising the need for increased testing, especially among ethnic minorities and women.
The UK Health Security Agency’s data for England delves into HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), new HIV diagnoses, and care outcomes. While GBMSM showed a drop in HIV diagnoses, heterosexual adults, women, and ethnic minority groups experienced an increase.
Key highlights include record-high HIV testing uptake among GBMSM in sexual health services, but other groups showed smaller increases. Although PrEP usage rose overall, disparities persist by sexual orientation. Additionally, half of those diagnosed with HIV in 2022 were aged 50 or over, showcasing the success of treatment in enabling longer, healthier lives.
Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly in HIV testing and PrEP access for women and ethnic minorities. Dr. Alison Brown, Interim Head of HIV Surveillance, expressed concern over uneven progress and emphasised the effectiveness of testing and treatment.
In 2022, England reported 3,805 HIV diagnoses, a 22% increase from 2021. The rise in diagnoses made in England is attributed to lower testing rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to more late diagnoses, notably among heterosexual women.
Professor Kevin Fenton, Chief Advisor on HIV, acknowledged positive strides but stressed the need for targeted efforts. He highlighted ongoing initiatives to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, addressing challenges in testing and PrEP uptake, especially among vulnerable communities.
As efforts continue, the focus remains on scaling up testing, expanding PrEP access, ensuring quality care, and combating stigma. The forthcoming December update will assess progress toward the ambitious goal of an 80% reduction in HIV transmission in England by 2025, as outlined in the HIV Action Plan.
