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<p>The HIV Action Plan is the cornerstone of our approach to driving progress and
achieving our goal of ending new HIV transmissions, AIDS, and HIV-related deaths within
England by 2030. Rapid access to, and retention in, HIV treatment and care can support
those diagnosed with HIV in living healthy lives and maintaining an undetectable viral
load, meaning they cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners.</p><p> </p><p>As
demonstrated by our success in meeting the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS’s
95-95-95 targets, England does very well on viral suppression and retention in care,
with 98% of those diagnosed being on treatment, and 98% of those on treatment having
an undetectable viral load. HIV treatment and care remain world class in England,
and most beneficial outcomes remain high across all population groups. HIV treatment
is available free of charge from open access HIV clinics in the National Health Service,
and funded by the Department though our budget allocation to NHS England.</p><p> </p><p>The
HIV Action Plan identifies that regional directors of public health will provide system
leadership on HIV at a regional level, and local governance arrangements take various
forms. It is for regional and local systems to oversee relevant care provision. The
Department has not assessed the adequacy of health care provision for those diagnosed
with HIV in local or regional areas, including Slough and the South East.</p><p> </p><p>Local
authorities in England are responsible for commissioning open access sexual health
services, including HIV prevention and testing services, through the public health
grant, funded at £3.6 billion in 2024/25. It is for individual local authorities to
decide their spending priorities based on an assessment of local need, and to commission
the service lines that best suit their population. The UK Health Security Agency provides
support to regions and local government, including helping areas to understand the
local situation in depth and identify where to focus efforts.</p>
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