HIV Surge: Women & Straight Men Face Alarming Rise

A new report highlights an "alarming" surge in HIV diagnoses among women and men exposed through heterosexual contact, a stark contrast to falling rates among gay and bisexual men. This worrying trend is exacerbated by severely "stretched" and underfunded sexual health services across the UK, leading to fears that the government will struggle to meet its United Nations target of achieving zero HIV transmissions by 2030.

MPs are concerned about a significant drop in HIV testing for young people and decreased access to essential preventative measures like PrEP. Data reveals a 33% increase in HIV diagnoses among women and a 17% rise in men exposed through heterosexual sex between 2019 and 2024. These increases are particularly pronounced in Black African and Asian communities, with diagnoses rising by 80% and 40% respectively.

The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) recommended expanding opt-out testing programs and improving access to PrEP, suggesting distribution through pharmacies and digital platforms to overcome current challenges. They emphasize that timely diagnosis and increased access to prevention are crucial, especially for those outside urban centers, and that late diagnoses incur significant costs for the NHS.