An update on the HIV Commission and COVID-19

The HIV Commission team have been doing a lot of thinking on how we can continue our work while adapting to the COVID-19 crisis. Our commitment to delivering a set of ambitious and achievable recommendations on how to end new HIV transmissions by 2030 has not changed and we cannot let the ball drop in light of this new epidemic.

We have already collected evidence from evidence hearings, expert-authored evidence papers, and online submissions. In February and March Commissioners travelled across the country to engage with community members, HIV clinics, support services, local government, and public health experts. Over the last 6 weeks, we have been able to start analysing this evidence, with a renewed commitment from our expert Advisory Group and Commissioners to this process.

However, ongoing changes brought by COVID-19 will mean new challenges for ending HIV transmissions, alongside new opportunities. We want to make sure that our findings take this into account, so Commissioners will be continuing to meet (virtually!) over the next few months to develop our recommendations, with a new aim to publish final recommendations in autumn 2020.

Have Your Say still open

We are still collecting ideas, expertise, and stories that can contribute to the path to ending new HIV transmissions and HIV-related deaths by 2030. We have developed some new promotional graphics which can be downloaded here. Please do continue to share this with your networks, so we can ensure as many people as possible can contribute to the commission. Thank you to everyone who has already been doing so!

Finally, NAT and the Terrence Higgins Trust websites are being regularly updated with news and advice on COVID-19 and how it is affecting people living with HIV. We would recommend these resources for further information.