WIREDGOV

The LGA's Community Wellbeing spokeswoman, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, responds to NHS England's announcement that it will reconsider its decision not to fund the new HIV treatment.

Responding to NHS England's announcement that it will reconsider its decision not to fund the new HIV treatment PrEP, the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing spokeswoman, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said:

"We are pleased and encouraged by NHS England's announcement that it will reconsider its decision not to fund the new HIV treatment PrEP.

"Councils are keen to work with NHS England and the Department of Health to find a solution which can enable this ground-breaking prevention method to be delivered throughout our communities.

"The PrEP treatment could halt the spread of HIV and potentially save lives. It could make a significant breakthrough in reducing the risk of HIV infection.

"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."

Notes to editors

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new HIV prevention approach where HIV-negative individuals use anti-HIV medications to reduce their risk of becoming infected.