Residents to have easier access to HIV prevention medications

Havering Council is proud to be part of a pilot programme that will allow more residents to access medication that reduces the risk of getting HIV.

When taken correctly, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99 percent.

Elton John AIDS Foundation, together with Fast-Track Cities, Gilead Sciences and ViiV Healthcare, is investing over £1 million in two pilot programmes. 

The first is across North East London (Havering, Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest), while the second is in three cities across the UK. 

The pilot aims to bring London closer to achieving zero new HIV cases by 2030.

It will do this by increasing the ways people can access PrEP and reaching people who haven’t used it before. Making access easier should also relieve pressures on sexual health clinics.

The pilot includes a focus on addressing the stigma associated with HIV and PrEP, and fostering inclusivity through training and community outreach.

Cllr Gillian Ford, Havering's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said:

“PrEP is a powerful tool in the drive to end HIV transmission, but we know that some of those who are at higher risk of contracting HIV are still not accessing this vital preventative treatment. 

“By pairing targeted community outreach and engagement efforts with new ways to access PrEP, the Elton John Aids Foundation will support efforts to tackle HIV stigma, increase awareness of PrEP, and ultimately mean that more Havering residents can benefit from this medication.”  

Rates of HIV in North East London are among the highest in the country.

The pilot will aim to support an additional 3,000 people across the area to access PrEP over the next 18 months.

The pilot will use innovative methods to promote and deliver PrEP, such as a digital service for online assessments, and postal kits, and PrEP clinics in GP practices and community settings.

Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, said: 

"The Foundation has proven experience of designing and funding successful pilots that go on to achieve impact at scale. At a time when public health budgets are under pressure, we believe these pilots will show that investing in prevention is not only life-saving but also cost-effective, reducing the long-term burden on the NHS by averting new HIV infections before they occur. 

“If the UK is to meet its goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030, it is essential that the new HIV Action Plan, set to be published by the UK government this summer, prioritises PrEP access, along with HIV testing and strengthening high-quality HIV care."