Under the first-of-its kind, large scale programme, adults in need of a blood test in A&E in 88 areas of England with the highest rates of HIV are routinely tested for the virus alongside hepatitis B and C unless they opt out.

Professor Francesca Swords, NHS national medical director, said: ‘Knowing your HIV status is as important as checking your blood pressure; and this pioneering NHS programme is helping hundreds of people get a diagnosis – often before they have any symptoms at all – to access life-saving treatment.'

The HIV Action Plan 2025-2030, published by DHSC in collaboration with UKHSA and NHS England, sets out the Government's approach to end new HIV transmissions within England by 2030.

It will continue the success of the blood-borne virus ED opt-out testing programme, investing £156m from April 2026 to March 2029 to deliver opt-out HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing in emergency departments in very high and high HIV prevalence areas.

NHS leaders are continuing to roll out the programme to help more people unknowingly living with HIV; and a further three new hospitals will start offering testing to their ED patients by April 2027.