HIV in London

The Health Committee is investigating HIV in London and what progress has been made towards achieving zero-HIV targets by 2030.

The investigation seeks:

• To scrutinise what progress has been made in London to reach the international targets of zero new HIV infections, zero HIV-related stigma and zero HIV-related deaths by 2030, which the Mayor has signed up to
• To scrutinise how signing the Fast Track Cities Declaration has impacted Mayoral work on HIV transmission in London, and what further action he could take
• To consider the specific challenges in London to achieving the zero targets by 2030, and how these are being addressed (including comparisons with other UK and international cities)
• To examine persisting health inequalities pertaining to HIV amongst particular demographics, including minority ethnic and LGBTQ+ groups
• To examine what actions are being taken by local authorities, NHS England and the voluntary sector to meet the target of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030

• There has been a long-term decline in the number of new HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) diagnoses in London; between 2012 and 2021 there was a 67 per cent decrease in new reported HIV diagnoses. However, in 2022 London had the highest proportion of new HIV diagnoses in the UK, with 33.7 per cent of all new diagnoses occurring in the capital.
• There are increasing HIV disparities between particular groups in London. In 2022, HIV diagnoses in ethnic groups other than white was 40 per cent of all diagnoses, which has risen from 35 per cent in 2021. In 2022, HIV testing was lowest amongst eligible heterosexual and bisexual women in sexual health services.
• Stigma surrounding HIV is still prevalent in London and the UK. In 2022, according to a survey carried out by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), almost half (45.1 per cent) of those with HIV felt ashamed of their HIV status and 1 in 3 people (32.1 per cent) reported low self-esteem due to their HIV status.

• What specific challenges to achieving zero-HIV targets is London facing?
• What actions are being taken by local authorities, NHS England and the voluntary sector to meet the target of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030, and what impact are these having?
• What impact has the 2018 Fast Track Cities Declaration had on Mayoral activity to address HIV in London?
• How can London address HIV health inequalities amongst minority groups?
• What progress is London making relative to other national and international cities in achieving its zero-HIV targets by 2030?
• Would London benefit from a London-wide needs assessment in relation to HIV, and do the NHS and OHID have plans to introduce such an assessment?

As part of this investigation, the Committee has issued a Call for Evidence. 

The Committee is keen to hear from health professionals, public health agencies, local community services, academics, charities, advocacy groups and anyone else with an interest or expertise of HIV and HIV services in London.

Call for Evidence Pack - PDF

Responses should be sent back in a word document format to the scrutiny inbox email address which can be found at the end of the Call for Evidence pack. The deadline is Friday 25 October 2024.