Liverpool City Council launches Fast Track Cities initiative to combat HIV and tuberculosis

Health leaders have launched the Liverpool Fast Track Cities+ initiative, an ambitious plan to eliminate new transmissions of HIV and other infectious diseases.

Liverpool’s health and care partners have reaffirmed the city’s global leadership in public health by launching an expanded infectious disease strategy. Building on years of success in reducing HIV rates, the city has now adopted the "Fast Track Cities + (Plus)" approach. This wider focus aims to eliminate HIV, all blood-borne viruses (BBVs), and tuberculosis (TB) as public health threats.

Strategic goals of Liverpool Fast Track Cities+

The expanded commitment sets out four major targets for the coming decade. Partners aim to end all new HIV transmissions and AIDS-related deaths by 2030, alongside ending new viral Hepatitis B and C infections. The strategy also targets a 90% reduction in TB incidence by 2035 and the total elimination of stigma and discrimination related to these conditions.

Liverpool has already seen significant progress. Estimated undiagnosed HIV cases have fallen from 115 four years ago to around 45 today. Late diagnoses have also dropped sharply, from 56.7% three years ago to 36.1%. Last year, the city carried out a record 108,889 tests across sexual health services and A&E departments.

Tackling health inequalities

The "Plus" approach recognises that HIV, hepatitis, and TB often affect the same communities and are driven by shared social factors. The plan strengthens the city’s focus on poverty, housing, and access to services. This joined-up method ensures that resources are targeted where they are most needed to improve long-term outcomes for all residents.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our progress on HIV is something we are proud of, and today’s commitment to a Fast Track Cities + approach signals our determination to go even further.” He noted that by tackling these conditions together, the city can "reduce inequalities, and support people across our city to live healthier lives."

Community-led health innovation

The success of the programme relies on deep collaboration between the NHS, local authority, and community groups. Services now offer clinic-based testing, community outreach, and online options to make knowing your status easier than ever. This includes the rising uptake of PrEP, a vital medication for HIV prevention.

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, added: “Expanding our Fast Track Cities commitment reflects the reality that HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Tuberculosis often affect the same communities and are driven by the same inequalities.” He added that the new approach allows the city to be "more ambitious, more joined-up, and even more impactful."

Taking action during HIV Testing Week

The announcement coincides with National HIV Testing Week, running from 9 to 15 February. Residents are encouraged to take up free, accessible testing sessions available at pop-up clinics across the Liverpool City Region. Knowing your status is a critical step in both personal health and the city’s mission to end new infections.

Related Links:

MORE: New auction powers to fill long-term empty shops on Lambeth high streets — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/07/new-auction-powers-to-fill-long-term-empty-shops-on-lambeth-high-streets/

MORE: New crackdown as illegal dumping costs taxpayers £500,000 — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/06/new-crackdown-as-illegal-dumping-costs-taxpayers-500000/

MORE: Manchester City Council launches month-long key amnesty to tackle tenancy fraud — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/05/manchester-city-council-launches-month-long-key-amnesty-to-tackle-tenancy-fraud/