Ending the HIV epidemic in London

Emma Best AM proposed, and Zack Polanski AM seconded, the following altered motion:

“The Mayor of London made a commitment in his manifesto to reduce new HIV cases by 80% by 2025 and end new cases of HIV within London by 2030. This Assembly supports this commitment and notes there has been significant declines in new cases of HIV in London over the past five years but expresses concern that nine London Boroughs have higher rates of late diagnoses than the national average.

This Assembly supports the recommendations made by the HIV Commission, founded by Terrence Higgins Trust, National AIDS Trust, and Elton John AIDS Foundation, that provides recommendations on how to end the domestic HIV epidemic by 2030. London is home to the highest population of people living with HIV across the UK. As well as working with the UK Government, the Mayor must also work with NHS England, NHS Improvement London, Public Health England and local authorities to drive forward work to achieve both the 2025 and 2030 targets.

The Assembly calls on the Mayor to commit to and support the following actions:

• Support opt-out HIV testing across the NHS. Many parts of London are areas of high HIV prevalence and HIV testing should be routinely offered to patients in relevant settings, such as GP surgeries, A&E departments and in all sexual health clinics.
• Support HIV testing at home being made available in all 32 London Boroughs and the exploration of the option of providing free HIV self-testing kits to those at highest risk of HIV.
• Work with local NHS bodies to pilot a trial of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) availability beyond sexual health clinics.
• Provide free Transport for London advertising space to encourage HIV testing and up to date information about HIV.
• Support mental health support being made available to all Londoners living with HIV and end HIV related stigma.”

Upon being put to a vote, the motion as altered was agreed unanimously.