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HIV GP Champions
The London HIV GP Champion Pilot
Primary care plays a crucial part in London’s ambition of getting to zero preventable deaths, zero HIV stigma, and zero new HIV transmissions by 2030. The London HIV GP champion pilot programme is dedicated to improving care for people living with HIV.
A new evaluation report from King’s College London has revealed how this pioneering pilot programme has transformed the role of GPs in HIV care across the capital, laying the foundation for a stronger, more integrated response to HIV in London. Read our highlights summary of the evaluation
The London HIV GP Champions Pilot Project, delivered by Fast-Track Cities London and evaluated independently by researchers at King’s College London and King’s Business School, empowered 16 GP Champions across the city to drive improvements in HIV prevention, testing and long-term care from within primary care settings. The initiative ran from February 2024 to May 2025 and involved primary care professionals, HIV consultants, and voluntary and community organisations.
Key outcomes
- 29% increase in HIV testing in South West London alone, with similar gains reported across other boroughs.
- Over 2,000 primary care staff trained to reduce HIV stigma and increase awareness.
- A surge in statin prescribing for people living with HIV over 40, aligning with the latest national clinical guidelines.
- Stronger collaboration between GPs and HIV consultants, leading to more joined-up care for patients.
- Uptake of the HIV Confident Charter across GP practices, demonstrating visible commitment to tackling stigma.
The London HIV GP Champions Pilot Project Service Evaluation captures powerful insights from GP Champions, HIV specialists, managers and community partners, highlighting both the pilot’s early successes and the challenges of sustaining change without ongoing support.
Dr Aneesha Noonan, GP & Regional Medical Director for Commissioning, NHS England London, said:
“This pilot has shown how leadership in primary care can normalise HIV testing, reduce stigma, and better connect services. It’s not the end of a project – it’s the beginning of a more unified approach to HIV in London.”
Call for continued investment and systemic change
The report highlights the importance of continued investment to build on early success and recommends:
- Extending funding for the GP Champions approach.
- Providing dedicated resources for HIV consultants who play a key role in supporting primary care.
- Developing shared performance metrics to track progress across London.
- Reframing HIV as a long-term condition, to support better integration into general practice and ensure equity of care.
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 and build on the momentum of the pilot.
Towards a zero-HIV future
Fast-Track Cities London aims to become the first global city to achieve the international goals of:
- Zero new HIV transmissions
- Zero AIDS-related deaths
- Zero HIV-related stigma
The GP Champions model – grounded in collaboration, education, and community engagement – demonstrates how primary care can be central to this vision.