ADPH welcomes testing expansion

We have welcomed a new research project to evaluate an expansion of the successful blood borne viruses (BBV) opt-out testing programme to new sites across England.

Backed by £20 million NIHR funding, the research will evaluate the testing programme in 46 new sites across England. Expansion of the programme could identify a significant proportion of the estimated 4,500 people living with undiagnosed HIV, preventing new transmissions, and saving more lives – through testing people’s blood already being taken in emergency departments for BBV, including HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

Last year, as part of the Government’s  HIV Action Plan, NHS England launched the BBV opt-out testing programme, with funding available for 34 emergency departments in areas with the highest prevalence of HIV. Today’s announcement means the programme will be expanded as part of a research evaluation in all 46 Emergency Departments covering 32 areas with high prevalence of HIV.

Amanda Healy, our Policy Lead for Health Protection, said:

“Identifying new HIV and Hepatitis cases is a crucial part of meeting the target to end HIV transmission by 2030 and today’s announcement is very welcome news.

“In addition to identifying new cases so that treatment can be given to avoid illness, it is imperative that efforts to prevent blood borne viruses, including increasing the uptake of PrEP, are continued.”

“BBV include HIV and Hepatitis B and C and this next phase of the opt out testing is very welcome news. However, it is absolutely essential that enough funding is provided to ensure that individuals identified can be given ongoing care and treatment with respect and dignity.”