The number of heterosexual men and women newly diagnosed in England with HIV has risen by more than 30 per cent since 2022, according to the latest HIV surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency.
This shows that diagnoses among heterosexual men increased by 36 per cent (445 in 2022 to 605 in 2023), and among heterosexual women by 30 per cent (602 in 2022 to 780 in 2023).
The rise in cases was steepest for ethnic minority heterosexuals, with a 45 per cent increase in this group compared with the previous year.
The LGA said the figures show demand for sexual health services is increasing and emphasises the need for a 10-year sexual health strategy.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “While it is good more people are getting tested for HIV, these figures show significant challenges remain in reducing HIV infections, despite the progress of recent years.
“Demand for sexual health services is on the rise, which reinforces the need for a 10-year sexual health strategy to tackle infection rates and ensure that sexual health services are properly funded.
“The progress made in supporting people with HIV, enabling them to live independent, fulfilling lives, and the fact that it is no longer the death sentence it once was, is a major public health success story.”