Written question WQ93614

The HIV Action Plan for Wales was launched in March 2023, containing 30 actions for implementation by 2026, which aim to help Wales achieve the World Health Organisation target of zero new HIV infections by 2030. Implementation of the plan is being taken forward via the work of five workstream groups and overseen by the HIV Action Plan Implementation Oversight Group.

Significant progress has already been made, including the establishment of the HIV collaborative network Fast Track Cymru, which has signed up four of the seven health boards in Wales to form their own regional Fast Track Coalitions.

Wales’ free online testing service for sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses (including HIV) has been allocated £3.9m and use of this service increases year-on-year with more people being tested than ever before. Almost 5,000 community test kits have also been distributed for collection from a range of settings with points of access guided by local stakeholders.

Health boards have evidenced good engagement with the plan and are participating in the Late Diagnosis Cohort Review board, which was established last October to look at each individual late diagnosis case in Wales, understand why they occur and focus resources on the best strategies to end further transmission.