Leading HIV charities have said the next Welsh Parliament could bring an end to new HIV transmissions in Wales within the decade—if urgent action is taken by the incoming government.
A coalition of organisations, including Terrence Higgins Trust, Fast Track Cymru and National AIDS Trust, has published a joint manifesto outlining steps needed to achieve the goal ahead of the upcoming Senedd election in May.
The groups argue that while significant medical advances mean HIV can now be effectively controlled—and prevented—policy changes and expanded access to services are essential to eliminate new transmissions.
Central to their recommendations is the expansion of access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) through a national online service, alongside increased funding for public anti-stigma campaigns. They also call for a targeted programme to reconnect people diagnosed with HIV who are not currently receiving care.
Health experts highlight that individuals on effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and cannot pass on the virus, including through sex. However, challenges remain, particularly around late diagnoses and persistent stigma.
The charities warn that a high proportion of people in Wales are still diagnosed at a later stage of infection, when HIV has already caused damage to the immune system. They say tackling stigma and improving testing rates will be critical to reversing this trend.
Wales introduced its first national HIV Action Plan in 2023, but it is due to expire later this year. While the plan has driven progress, campaigners argue that a renewed and more ambitious strategy is needed to meet the target of ending new cases by 2030.
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said the pathway to ending HIV transmission is already clear. “We have all the tools we need to end new HIV cases in Wales by 2030,” he said. “We have laid out a blueprint to build a future with no new HIV cases, no HIV stigma, and where people are supported to live well with HIV.”
Dan Fluskey, Director of Policy at National AIDS Trust, said the next Senedd has a “real chance” to achieve the goal, but stressed that progress must accelerate. He pointed to the need for renewed efforts to re-engage people outside of care and to normalise HIV testing.
Sarah Maslen-Roberts, Executive Director of Fast Track Cymru, said Wales was already in a strong position internationally, having been the first “Fast Track Nation” committed to global HIV targets. She added that the country could now become the first to eliminate HIV transmission entirely, provided momentum is maintained.
The charities say they will continue working with political parties and future Senedd members to push for adoption of their proposals, with the aim of delivering lasting change for communities across Wales.
