Some UK Members of Parliament are advocating for mandatory HIV testing for migrants from high-risk countries.
This proposal aims to curb the spread of HIV and align with the country’s goal to eliminate new transmissions by 2030.
Mandatory HIV testing would apply only to migrants from regions with high prevalence rates, such as sub-Saharan Africa.
It would also involve a small fee, which the applicant will shoulder as part of the visa application process.
Rising number of cases drives calls for HIV testing
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows an increase in HIV diagnoses, reversing years of declining rates since 2006.
In 2023, over 6,008 new cases were reported, a 51 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Over half, 53 percent, of HIV diagnoses in England were for people previously diagnosed abroad, up 110 percent from 2022.
The remaining 47 percent were new diagnoses in England, up 15 percent from 2022 and close to 2019 levels.
This marks the first time diagnoses from abroad have outnumbered new cases identified in England.
The UKHSA reported a rise in recent HIV cases, particularly among those born outside the UK, such as in Africa and other high-prevalence areas.
The Times reports that former UK Health Minister Neil O’Brien linked the hike in HIV diagnosis to changes in the UK’s immigration system.
The immigration rule changes have led to a significant increase in the number of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
The Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby, and Wigston called HIV testing a visa requirement for migrants from high-prevalence regions.
O’Brien argued that this measure could help reduce the spread of undiagnosed HIV within the UK.
National Health Service (NHS) pediatric consultant Dr. Caroline Johnson MP shares the same concern, reports The Daily Express.
“Introducing HIV tests for migrants is essential to meet the government’s strategy to end new HIV transmission in the UK by 2030,” the MPs wrote in a joint blog post.
How the mandatory HIV testing proposal would work
Citizens from more than 50 countries require an HIV test for at least some visa categories in countries like Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia, permanent residency applicants must undergo an HIV test, and shorter-term visa applicants need testing in certain situations.
New Zealand mandates HIV tests for visa applicants intending to stay more than a year.
Under the proposed plan, migrants from countries with high HIV rates would need to take an HIV test as part of the visa application process.
O’Brien stated that the additional cost would be minor compared to existing visa fees, travel expenses, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
HIV testing usually only involves collecting blood, urine, or oral fluid samples to check for HIV antibodies or antigens.
The MPs advocated a similar approach to the current tuberculosis (TB) screening requirement for long-term visa applicants.
Currently, individuals from 102 countries applying to stay in the UK for more than six months require TB testing.
These applicants must find a list of approved clinics on the UK government website which will conduct a TB test.
After passing the test, the applicant will receive a certificate to include in their visa application for the appointment.
Balancing public health and ethical concerns
The proposal could be integral to the UK’s broader strategy to achieve zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.
This initiative includes a £20 million government investment to expand opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments across areas with high infection rates.
Health Minister Andrea Leadsom acknowledged progress but emphasized the need for innovative strategies to meet the 2030 target.
Advocates of the select HIV testing proposal argue it could improve early diagnosis and reduce transmission.
Early detection is critical because it allows individuals to receive appropriate care and lowers the chance of spreading the virus.
Identifying undiagnosed cases at entry would help public health systems support these individuals and reduce risks to the population.
However, the HIV testing proposal has sparked debate among health advocates, stressing the need for proper handling to prevent discrimination.
Many experts worry that mandatory HIV testing for certain groups may stigmatize migrants and hinder their access to healthcare.
The proposed HIV testing policy aims to improve disease prevention but must also maintain ethical standards.