LGA welcomes possible funding for new HIV treatment

The Local Government Association (LGA) has said that it is ‘pleased and encouraged’ by the news that NHS England is reconsidering funding the new HIV treatment Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

NHS England previously announced that it would not fund PrEP, which was criticised by the LGA at the time.

The LGA argues that PrEP treatment could ‘halt the spread of HIV’ and ‘make a significant breakthrough in reducing the risk of HIV infection’, but that responsibility for funding should lie with the NHS, not councils.

Izzi Seccombe, the LGA’s community wellbeing spokeswoman, said: "Councils have invested millions in providing sexual health services since taking over responsibility for public health three years ago, and this treatment could help reduce levels of HIV in the community.

"However our position has always been that responsibility for funding PrEP should lie within the NHS rather than councils.

"We look forward to working with NHS England to find an agreeable way forward that will resolve this issue."