HIV health disparities in London

In 2023, London recorded the highest new HIV diagnosis rate of any region in England, standing at 17.2 per 100,000.¹ The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) latest dataset, relating to 2023, also shows that:

• Testing in London increased by 8 per cent between 2022 and 2023 (413,755 to 445,655), exceeding 2019 levels (430,853). 
• There was an increase in the number of diagnoses for all age groups among men exposed through sex between men and living in London, except for those aged 65 years and over. The increase was highest among those aged 15 to 24 years (24 per cent increase).
• The number of late diagnoses declined by four per cent amongst those living in London.
• There was an increase in deaths in London amongst men from 184 to 196 (6.5 per cent) and women from 46 to 59 (28.3 per cent) between 2022 and 2023.

Despite progress towards zero-HIV targets, there are existing HIV health disparities amongst particular demographics in London. The National AIDS Trust has previously stated that “glaring disparities in progress on HIV between different groups demonstrate the urgent need for Government investment.”²

In the second of a two-meeting investigation, the London Assembly Health Committee will discuss HIV prevention efforts in London, the work of HIV charities in London and international comparisons.

The guests are:

Panel 1 – HIV prevention in London (10:00 – 11:10)

• Marc Thompson, Lead Commissioner, London HIV Prevention Programme
• Mona Hayat, Director of Sexual Health, London Sexual Health Programme
• Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, Statutory Health Advisor to the Mayor

Panel 2 – HIV charities in London (11:15 – 12:25)

• Mark Santos, Executive Director, Positive East
• Joel Robinson, CEO, Spectra London
• Kat Smithson, CEO, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
• Tony Wong, Chief Executive Officer, METRO Charity
• Juddy Otti, Head of HIV Services, Africa Advocacy Foundation

Panel 3 – International comparisons (12:30 – 13:00) – attending remotely

• Elske Hoornenborg, Head of the Center for Sexual Health and medical doctor specialised in internal medicine and infectious diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam

The meeting will take place on Thursday 30 January from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

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