Last night, Joel Robinson, Spectra’s CEO attended an event at the UK House of Commons where the Government publicly launched its new HIV Action Plan for England 2025 to 2030. This plan supports the Government’s bold commitment to end new HIV transmissions in England by 2030, backed by over £170 million in funding.
A renewed focus on equity
The plan outlines five strategic priorities, emphasising:
- equitable access to prevention services (like PrEP)
- scaling up testing (including via NHS-app home testing and opt-out testing in emergency departments)
- rapid linkage and retention in care
- tackling HIV stigma, and
- strengthening sexual-health services across the country.
It was inspiring to hear many MPs express cross-party support for what is rightly described as one of the most ambitious public-health goals of our time.
Joel Robinson, Spectra CEO said:
“This plan’s focus on equity is essential. Too many communities, including Black and Brown people, women, asylum seekers, gay and bisexual men, sex workers and people experiencing homelessness, still face the highest barriers to care. At Spectra, we work directly with these communities every day, providing culturally competent, trauma-informed support. This plan recognises that reality, and with targeted investment and meaningful partnership, we can close the gaps that have persisted for far too long. We welcome this commitment from government and hope that funding reaches those most disproportionately affected by HIV.”
We want to extend our gratitude to every organisation and individual who helped bring this event and plan to life, especially the Terrence Higgins Trust (with thanks to Richard Angell), National AIDS Trust (Robbie Currie), and Elton John AIDS Foundation (Anne Aslett), as well as the MPs we had the chance to speak with. Finally, a special thank you and recognition to Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health, under whose leadership this plan was delivered.
We look forward to supporting its delivery and to seeing real change in communities across England over the coming years.