Today, Stephen Morgan MP has marked World AIDS Day by paying tribute to those that have previously lost their lives or are living with HIV/AIDS whilst advocating for progress in treatment, prevention and social attitudes.
World AIDS Day has been observed every year on 1 December since 1988 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, honour those who have died from the disease, and promote education and prevention efforts.
As of 2025, it is estimated that there could be over 12,000 people who have been diagnosed with HIV but are not currently in care for treatment.
Stigma and discrimination are holding progress back and continue to negatively impact people’s mental health and quality of life.
Many report to have faced or fear stigma in healthcare, with 1 in 9 avoiding service and over 1 in 10 feeling refused care due to HIV status. Training and awareness in healthcare settings reduce stigma, eliminating discriminatory practices must be a top priority.
Last year, ahead of World AIDS Day, this Government announced a commitment to ending new cases of HIV in the UK by 2030 alongside major funding to deliver this target.
This involved the provision of £27m towards a highly successful emergency department opt-out testing scheme to change and save thousands of lives.
A further £37m was allocated to supporting the international effort to ending HIV/AIDS by increasing access to vital sexual and reproductive health services and support for vulnerable and marginalised people across the globe.
Today, the Government has published the HIV Action Plan for England 2025, outlining five strategic priorities to drive action and galvanise leadership nationwide on HIV/AIDS, supported by over £170 million in funding. This can be read about in further detail here.
As part of the announcement, Stephen Morgan MP visited the team at St Mary’s Hospital’s Sexual Health department to discuss the support given to those in the community living with HIV.
Mr Morgan took an HIV test provided by the department to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding the testing process.
Raising awareness and destigmatising testing is important to address health inequalities by reaching groups who are less likely to attend sexual health services and may be disproportionately affected both by higher rates of some BBVs and stigma associated with BBV testing or diagnosis.
Commenting on World AIDS Day, Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South said:
“Today on World AIDS Day, I am proud to be part of a government which plans to end HIV Transmissions by 2030. The announcement today on our HIV action plan will bring us even closer to reaching that goal.
“For too long there has been a stigma around HIV preventing those affected getting the help they need.
“Labour’s commitment to end new HIV transmissions by 2030 will be a gamechanger.
“It was a pleasure to visit the team at St Mary’s Hospital’s Sexual Health department to hear about the fantastic work they do in supporting those in our community living with HIV. Home testing kits are now available, and testing involves just a simple pin prick.
“Together we can end the stigma and bring this Government’s plans on ending transmissions by 2030 into reality.”
Commenting, Secretary of State for Health Wes Streeting said:
“Today, people living with HIV can enjoy full, healthy lives, and can’t pass the virus on to others. That’s remarkable progress.
“Ending new HIV transmissions by 2030 is ambitious, and this government is determined to make it happen.”
“Together we have got to challenge the stigma and the prejudice that still affects far too many people living with HIV.
“Let us work together this World AIDS Day and in the coming years to make sure that everyone living with HIV in our country receives great quality care and great quality support.”
To find your local sexual health clinic and book a HIV test, click here.
