Government publishes new HIV Action Plan for England
01 December 2025
(Last updated: 1 Dec 2025 14:00)
The HIV Action Plan 2025 to 2030 sets out how the government will enable the healthcare system to reach our ambition to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. The plan focuses on 5 core priorities: Prevent, test, treat, Thrive, and Collaborate. A £170 million package includes a national programme for reengagement in care, continuation of the hugely successful emergency department opt-out BBV testing scheme and much needed support for workforce development.
BASHH has warmly welcomed the plan. Professor Matt Phillips, President of BASHH, said:
"The launch of today’s Action Plan marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response. It also offers an opportunity to reflect on th progress we’ve made in recent years, and the work that still lies ahead.
"Reconnecting those living with HIV who have been lost to care is a critical part of this work, and is key to achieving our target of reaching zero new HIV transmissions by 2030. The publication of this new Action Plan therefore provides us with a real chance to build on recent successes, through better enabling expert care and treatment to be accessed by all those who need it.
"BASHH stands ready to work alongside the Government to help translate these vital ambitions into reality."
BASHH is delighted to see a strong focus within the Action Plan on securing the future HIV workforce, including supporting access to world-leading specialists in Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) – a priority which is critical to achieving HIV transmission goals. BASHH has long championed the presence of a sustainable GUM workforce through initiatives such as the LoveGUM campaign, which has already helped reverse declining uptake in the specialty.There is also recognition of the vital role of the STI Foundation, BASHH's training arm.
Professor Phillips, continued:
"The HIV Action Plan doesn’t just set ambitious targets – it strengthens the foundations of our specialty. By prioritising workforce development, this plan amplifies the efforts of BASHH and others to secure the future of Genitourinary Medicine. Ours is an extraordinary field, combining cutting-edge science, holistic patient care, and public health impact. With this renewed commitment, we can attract and empower the next generation of specialists, ensuring world-class HIV and sexual health services for decades to come."
To learn more about the specialty and explore opportunities to join our field, visit https://lovegum.bashh.org/.
To find out more about the wide range of training and professional development opportunities through our STI Foundation, visit: https://www.stif.org.uk/