NICE: Record numbers accessing HIV prevention treatment in England

In 2024, over 111,000 people accessed PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) through sexual health clinics in England—a 7.7% increase from 2023 and the highest number since 2021. Most users were gay and bisexual men (96,008). During the same period, new HIV diagnoses in England dropped by 2%.
PrEP is a highly effective daily or on-demand pill that prevents HIV infection. Since its rollout by NHS England in 2020 and NICE’s 2021 recommendation, access has expanded, especially for high-risk groups.
In 2024, 76% of high-risk individuals attending specialist clinics received or continued PrEP, up from 75% in 2023. Uptake was high among gay and bisexual men (around 79% across ethnicities), but significantly lower among heterosexual Black African women (35%) and men (36%).
Although PrEP use has grown across all sexual orientations and age groups, it remains lower among young people (65% for ages 15–24) compared to older adults (81% for ages 50–64).
The recent approval of an injectable PrEP option offers a new alternative for those unable to take pills. However, disparities in access persist, especially among heterosexuals and ethnic minorities. Health officials stress the importance of regular testing and broader prevention efforts to end HIV transmission by 2030.