References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
The UK has made significant progress in the response to HIV. The country has met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, meaning the vast majority of people with HIV are diagnosed, on treatment and virally suppressed. Late diagnosis remains the biggest challenge — people who don’t know their status can’t benefit from treatment and may unknowingly pass the virus on.
Here’s an overview of the current picture.
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Key Facts
| Measure | UK Status |
|---|---|
| People living with HIV | Approximately 106,000 |
| Percentage diagnosed | Over 95% |
| On treatment | Over 98% of those diagnosed |
| Virally suppressed | Over 97% of those on treatment |
| Estimated undiagnosed | Around 4,500 |
| New diagnoses per year | Declining — around 3,000-4,000 recently |
Who Is Most Affected?
- Gay and bisexual men — the largest group of people living with HIV in the UK
- Black African communities — disproportionately affected, particularly heterosexual men and women
- People who inject drugs — smaller numbers but ongoing transmission
- Trans people — limited data but emerging evidence of higher risk
Geographic Distribution
HIV prevalence is highest in London, which accounts for a large proportion of people living with HIV in England. Other cities with higher rates include Brighton, Manchester and Birmingham. Rural areas have lower prevalence but also lower testing rates.
Trends
- New diagnoses among gay and bisexual men have fallen significantly, driven by PrEP, increased testing and U=U
- Late diagnosis remains stubbornly high in some groups, particularly heterosexual men and older adults
- New infections acquired in the UK have declined
- The HIV population is ageing — more people are living well into their 60s, 70s and beyond
What Needs to Happen
- More routine HIV testing in healthcare settings, particularly A&E and GP surgeries
- Expanded opt-out testing in high-prevalence areas
- Continued PrEP availability and promotion
- Targeted outreach to communities with higher late diagnosis rates
- Reducing stigma to encourage testing
Read more: Home HIV testing | How do I know if I have HIV? | What is HIV?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HIV still a problem in the UK?
HIV remains a significant public health issue. While treatment outcomes are excellent, around 4,500 people are estimated to be undiagnosed, and several thousand new infections occur each year.
Are new HIV infections falling?
Yes, particularly among gay and bisexual men. PrEP, increased testing and U=U have all contributed to declining new diagnoses.
Who is most at risk of late diagnosis?
Heterosexual men and older adults are most likely to be diagnosed late, often because they don’t consider themselves at risk and aren’t offered routine testing.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
