Increase in HIV testing in community settings
11 February 2025
There has been a significant increase in the number of people getting tested for HIV in community settings, with a 10% increase in the number of tests carried out in the last year.
This is according to new figures released by Public Health England (PHE), which show that there were an estimated 850,000 HIV tests carried out in community settings in 2024, up from 770,000 in 2023.
The increase in testing is being attributed to a number of factors, including the availability of free and confidential testing, the increased awareness of HIV, and the stigma associated with HIV testing decreasing.
Dr Valerie Delpech, Head of HIV Surveillance at PHE, said: “The increase in HIV testing in community settings is very encouraging. It shows that people are becoming more aware of the importance of getting tested for HIV, and that they are more comfortable getting tested in a community setting.”
“Early diagnosis of HIV is essential for effective treatment and care, and it can also help to prevent the transmission of HIV to others. We would encourage everyone to get tested for HIV, regardless of their age, gender, or sexual orientation.”
The increase in testing is particularly welcome given the fact that HIV remains a major public health concern in the UK. In 2024, there were an estimated 104,200 people living with HIV in the UK, and around 4,400 new HIV diagnoses.
“HIV testing is a crucial part of our response to HIV, and the increase in testing in community settings is a positive step towards achieving our goal of ending the HIV epidemic in the UK,” said Dr Delpech.
PHE is urging everyone to get tested for HIV, regardless of their age, gender, or sexual orientation. Testing is free and confidential, and it can be done at a variety of locations, including sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and community centres.
For more information on HIV testing, please visit the PHE website: www.gov.uk/hiv-and-aids
Increase in HIV testing in community settings
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