London, UK - 10 November 2016 Responding to today's Court of Appeal ruling, confirming that NHS England is responsible for funding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, Dr Chloe Orkin, Chair of the British HIV Association (BHIVA), said:

"We are pleased that the Court of Appeal has upheld the decision that NHS England is responsible for the funding of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). It is a safe intervention that will reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV by around 90%.

The decision is in line with World Health Organisation recommendations and the view of NICE, which has evaluated PrEP using Truvada, finding it to be highly effective.

We strongly support the policy proposal for MSM, transgender individuals and heterosexuals at high risk of HIV infection and will continue to make the case for PrEP to the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group (CPAG), which makes recommendations on NHS England's approach to commissioning services, and treatments, and considers which of these should be prioritised for investment.

Although this ruling is a positive step we regret that PrEP is still not available to the 17 people who contract HIV each day in this country."

Ends
For further information or comment, please contact Mediscript:
Jacqueline English: 020 8369 5388, email: [email protected]

 

About BHIVA
Founded in 1995, BHIVA is the leading professional organisation committed to providing excellence in the care of those living with and affected by HIV. It acts as a national advisory body to professions and other organisations on all aspects of HIV care. BHIVA also provides a national platform for HIV care and contributes representatives for international, national and local committees dealing with HIV care. In addition, BHIVA works to promote undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education within HIV care.     www.bhiva.org    @BritishHIVAssoc