A pioneering pilot project led by Fast-Track Cities London and evaluated by King’s College London has demonstrated how GPs can play a leading role in tackling HIV stigma, improving care, and boosting testing rates across the capital.
A new independent evaluation – London HIV GP Champions Pilot Project Service Evaluation – published today reveals the significant progress made by the London HIV GP Champions Pilot Project, which ran from February 2024 to May 2025. The pilot brought together 16 GP Champions from across the city to lead locally tailored initiatives, in partnership with HIV consultants, charities and community organisations.
The project, funded by the London Fast-Track Cities Initiative, aimed to strengthen the role of primary care in HIV prevention and long-term management. Researchers from King’s Business School found that the GP Champions helped increase HIV testing, reduce stigma, and support improved health outcomes for people living with HIV.
Key findings include:
- A 29% increase in HIV testing in South West London over a 12-month period
- Over 2,000 healthcare professionals trained in HIV awareness and stigma reduction
- A rise in statin prescriptions for people living with HIV aged over 40, in line with updated clinical guidance
- Greater collaboration between GPs, hospital consultants and local partners
- Widespread uptake of the HIV Confident Charter across London GP practices
Dr Aneesha Noonan, GP & Regional Medical Director for Commissioning, NHS England London, said:
“The GP Champions model has shown how local leadership in general practice can drive real change. These GPs are tackling stigma, improving testing and building better connections between primary and secondary care, and improving access to care across our communities”
The report also sets out a series of recommendations to ensure the momentum is not lost, including extending funding for the programme, ensuring dedicated support for HIV consultants, and introducing shared performance indicators across the city.
As responsibility for HIV services transitions from national to local health systems, the report underscores the need for clear coordination and sustained commitment across London to ensure continuity.
The GP Champions model is part of Fast-Track Cities London’s broader commitment to achieving the global targets of zero new HIV transmissions, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero HIV-related stigma.
Notes to editors:
- Read the Fast Track Cities London summary: HIV GP Champions highlights 2025
- The full report, London HIV GP Champions Pilot Project Service Evaluation, is published by King’s College London and available online at: fasttrackcities.london and kcl.ac.uk.
- Fast-Track Cities London is a partnership between the Mayor of London, NHS England (London), London Councils, UK Health Security Agency and a range of voluntary and community sector organisations.
- For media enquiries, please contact: maria.vidal-read@nhs.net