Greater Manchester continues to outperform global targets on HIV testing, treatment and care, new data shows, ahead of World AIDS Day on Sunday 1st December.
National figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms that Greater Manchester is ahead of the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim for almost everyone living with HIV to know their status, access treatment, and keep the virus under control. Achieving these targets is a key milestone towards the international goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
This success reflects years of collaboration across the city-region, from the NHS and local councils to community organisations. Greater Manchester first reached these milestones in 2023, and the latest validated data (to December 2024) show this progress is being sustained.
Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said: “These results show what can be achieved when people and services work together with a shared purpose. The progress in Greater Manchester comes from years of effort across our NHS, local councils and community organisations, all driven by a shared commitment to stop new HIV transmissions.
“World AIDS Day is a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come, but also a reminder that the job isn’t done. We must keep pushing forward, tackle stigma wherever we see it, and make sure everyone feels able to get the care and support they need.”
Greater Manchester was one of the first areas in the country to introduce opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments in 2021. Since then, more than 1,000 people have received life-saving diagnoses and treatment for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C - conditions they did not know they had.
Since the programme began:
- Almost 500,000 people tested across Greater Manchester
- More than 160 new HIV diagnoses
- Over 400 new hepatitis B diagnoses
- Nearly 500 new hepatitis C diagnoses
- Many others already living with these conditions reconnected to treatment
This work is part of Greater Manchester’s wider commitment as an international Fast-Track City, aiming to end new transmissions of HIV, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis by 2030.
Dr Orla Mcquillan, consultant in HIV and Sexual Health at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Co-Chair of Fast Track Cities Greater Manchester said:
“The expansion in testing in the last 12 months has been fantastic but there is still work to do to reduce late diagnosis and improve the quality of life of those living with HIV. We can only do this by working together, meaning that Greater Manchester Fast Track Cities can benefit a wider population.”
Greater Manchester is also making it easier than ever to protect against HIV. Local sexual health services offer PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a daily medicine that prevents HIV. Pop-up clinics, online testing and welcoming, stigma-free services make it simple for people to get tested and access the support they need.
Anyone can take a free, confidential HIV test. For more information, visit local organisations: George House Trust or PaSH Partnership.
There are many effective ways to prevent or reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Visit NHS.UK to find out about the best way to reduce your risk.