HIV remains a critical global health issue with millions living with the virus. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing stigma. The national HIV action plan aims to reduce new infections by 80% by 2025 and end transmissions and deaths from HIV by 2030, contingent on proper financing and implementation. Persistent inequalities in the response must be addressed, with women and people of black African ethnicity more likely to avoid healthcare settings and not receive offered tests. Additionally, up to 14,000 individuals diagnosed with HIV are lost to care due to complex social factors, necessitating focused follow-up and wraparound support. Late diagnosis rates among certain groups remain high at 54% for heterosexual British black Africans and 29% for gay and bisexual men, leading to higher mortality risks and healthcare costs.

Emphasised the importance of overcoming embarrassment and awkwardness associated with HIV testing. Advocated for more openness on vectors of transmission, such as blood donation and sexual health clinics. Called for wider availability of vaccinations against genital warts to achieve herd immunity faster. Highlighted the necessity of early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Called for people to know their status and encourage others to do so.

Acknowledged the high incidence of HIV infection in his constituency, paying tribute to sexual health clinic staff who offer testing and treatment under difficult circumstances. Praised recent successes in prevention and treatment but expressed frustration over undiagnosed cases. Called for embedding and expanding opt-out testing in A&E and other locations to eliminate disparities between demographic groups. Highlighted the challenge of prioritising other STIs and monkeypox outbreaks, leading to longer waiting times for PrEP prescriptions. Advocated for safe prescription of PrEP by pharmacies.

It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Hammersmith and thank him for his contribution and knowledge of his constituency. The debate on HIV testing is exceptionally well-led by Charlotte Nichols, who led yesterday's mindfulness debate. As the DUP’s health spokesperson, I am pleased to contribute to such debates. We celebrate that HIV can now be managed as a chronic condition allowing people to enjoy better lives. National HIV Testing Week from 5-11 February marks its tenth anniversary, recognising ten years of progress in reducing diagnoses and improving quality of life. Testing is free, quick and easy; it is crucial for early detection and prevention of transmission. I point out the Minister's involvement with PrEP, a successful campaign in Northern Ireland raising awareness about sexual diseases and extending lives through treatment. In 2020, there were 69,000 HIV tests carried out in NI resulting in only 52 new diagnoses—a significant decline from previous years. We have made substantial progress since the '70s and '80s when HIV was heavily stigmatised; today, we celebrate advancements in treatment. The NHS has transformed HIV from a feared virus to one easily treated, allowing people to live long healthy lives. Young people should be educated about HIV given their lack of awareness. Schools and universities play critical roles in providing safe spaces for young individuals to seek testing and discuss health concerns privately. Organisations are actively supporting nations like Swaziland and Zimbabwe where 40% of the population were once HIV-positive, but now have manageable rates thanks to medication and regular testing. I urge the Minister to provide clarity on how we can continue this work abroad. Finally, I commend local health trusts for their invaluable services and call upon the Government to ensure continued provision of testing facilities across the UK, celebrating our success in saving lives through early detection.

Ms Callaghan congratulated the hon. Member for Warrington North on opening the debate and thanked her constituents and the Terrence Higgins Trust for their assistance. She mentioned her purchase of a lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury, whose sales support the Elton John AIDS Foundation's Rocket Fund to end HIV globally. National HIV Testing Week is vital as it highlights the importance of knowing one’s status through opportunities to test. Scientific advances have transformed HIV diagnosis from a near death sentence into a manageable condition with normal life expectancy for those on effective treatment. Scotland was the first nation in the UK to make PrEP available free through the NHS, and there are now approximately 6,000 people using PrEP in Scotland at any one time. However, progress is slower among women and minority communities, with significant undiagnosed HIV cases remaining in heterosexual individuals. Stigma continues to affect those living with HIV, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education. The Scottish Government's report “Ending HIV transmission in Scotland by 2030” outlines high-level activities required: primary prevention, detection, and treatment. Ms Callaghan advocates taking an HIV test and encourages MPs to do so as a public health measure. She expresses concern about the UK’s reduced aid spending on overseas development and urges recommitment to ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

It is a great pleasure to speak for the Opposition in this debate... We owe it to everyone we have lost to the virus, everyone who has faced that stigma, and everyone who is living with HIV today to end new transmissions once and for all. I am glad the hon. Lady is making the important point that women are particularly at risk of non-diagnosis.

I am glad the hon. Lady is making the important point that women are particularly at risk of non-diagnosis. She rightly mentions some Labour people who made important contributions. We ought to remember Norman Fowler. I do not normally talk about my wife’s work, but if I may say so, when she was Secretary of State for Health, she got the insurance companies in and said, “Do not charge higher premiums, or refuse cover to, people who have taken an HIV test. That is not the way to move forward.”

Congratulated the speakers for securing the debate on National HIV Testing Week. Paid tribute to Members who contributed and highlighted the cross-party consensus on ending new HIV transmissions by 2030. Praised NHS staff's work in the 1980s, noted the Government’s commitment made in 2019 and published a national HIV action plan in 2021. Mentioned that the UK ranked first in Europe for combined sexual and reproductive health rights ranking and achieved or exceeded UN’s 95-95-95 targets. Emphasised ongoing efforts to reach previously missed groups, including self-testing options and partnerships with local businesses. Announced NHS England's £20 million investment for opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments and NIHR investing an additional £20 million for further research. Highlighted the importance of eradicating HIV globally through UK donations to Global Fund, supported Northern Ireland’s re-established Assembly to roll out testing. Emphasised reducing stigma through events like HIV Prevention England's symposium and funding efforts by community experts.

Noted in the speech but did not contribute further

Asked about extending opt-out testing to other health facilities and increasing PrEP access by either increasing resources available to sexual health clinics or expanding outlets like pharmacies.

Inquired whether the Government would extend the programme for HIV testing to Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales

I thank all hon. and right hon. Members who have made such thoughtful contributions today. Again, I thank the right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale (David Mundell), who secured this debate, for giving us this opportunity. The cross-party consensus on the importance of HIV testing and the tone in which today’s debate has taken place represent the very best traditions of this House. I hope all those listening will consider taking a test to know their status, and I look forward to continuing to work with members of the APPG on HIV and AIDS to hold the Government to account on their progress towards the 2030 target.