To ask the Minister of Health, in light of World Aids Day on 1 December 2024, to detail any actions he is taking to achieve the UNAIDS target of no new HIV diagnoses by 2030.

While a specific target date has not been adopted by my Department, aiming to eliminate HIV transmission in Northern Ireland at the earliest possible stage continues to be a priority for my Department. The Sexual Health Action Plan, launched in November 2023, aims to co-ordinate the ongoing direction for sexual health improvement in Northern Ireland.

Within the Plan, striving to eliminate HIV is one of the seven strategic objectives, and a delivery group has been established to take forward work in this area. This group brings together policy leads, clinicians, health improvement leads and advocates from the community and voluntary sector.

One of the early actions of this delivery group was to explore Northern Ireland participation in the global Fast Track Cities initiative, which focuses on ending HIV transmission. I am very pleased that earlier this year, both Belfast City and Derry and Strabane District Councils signed up to this civic initiative, and I will be exploring how I might encourage other Councils to consider what they can do in their local areas to support HIV elimination.

To tackle HIV transmission and support those living with HIV to live well, a number of subgroups have been established through my Department’s Action Plan to lead on efforts to tackle stigma associated with HIV, explore testing opportunities and consider additional actions that can be taken to minimise late HIV diagnoses.

Additionally, in line with World Aids Day, the Public Health Agency is leading on communication efforts to strengthen public messaging around the importance of HIV testing, how to prevent transmission and the impact of engaging in effective HIV treatment.