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Liverpool’s health and care partners reaffirmed their commitment to public health on 11 February 2026 by announcing a significant expansion of their Fast Track Cities initiative. The city will now implement an enhanced Fast Track Cities + (Plus) strategy, broadening its efforts to not only end HIV but also to tackle all blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and tuberculosis (TB). This represents a bold step forward in Liverpool’s ongoing fight against infectious diseases.
For many years, Liverpool has been an active participant in the global Fast Track Cities movement, which is dedicated to ending HIV as a public health issue. Through strong community involvement, collaborative partnerships, and innovative service models, the city has made substantial progress toward its HIV-related goals. Notably, the number of individuals living with undiagnosed HIV has decreased substantially—from an estimated 115 people four years ago to approximately 45 today. Additionally, late HIV diagnoses have fallen from 56.7% three years ago to 36.1% currently, a change that greatly improves long-term health outcomes.
The city’s progress has been supported by record-breaking testing efforts, with 108,889 tests conducted last year across sexual health clinics and emergency departments. Improved identification and increasing uptake of PrEP have contributed further to prevention efforts. These advancements foster early diagnosis, enable quicker access to treatment, and enhance prevention strategies, bringing Liverpool closer to the goal of eliminating new HIV transmissions by 2030.
Building on these achievements, Liverpool’s partners have now committed to a wider Fast Track Cities + (Plus) approach that recognises the close links between HIV, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis, as well as the common social factors influencing these infections. This expanded ambition includes ending new HIV transmissions and AIDS-related deaths by 2030, eliminating new Hepatitis B and C infections by the same year, achieving a 90% reduction in TB incidence by 2035, and eradicating stigma and discrimination related to these diseases. The strategy emphasizes prevention, early diagnosis, rapid treatment, and person-centred care, while also addressing broader social determinants like poverty, housing, and access to services to ensure no community is overlooked.
Liverpool’s success so far has been a result of dedicated partnership working between the local authority, NHS entities, voluntary organisations, and people with lived experience. Services across the city continue to improve accessibility to testing through clinics, community outreach, and online options, alongside delivering high-quality treatment and support. Councillor Harry Doyle highlighted the city’s determination: “Liverpool has shown that bold ambition, backed by strong partnerships, really does make a difference. 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.” Similarly, Professor Matthew Ashton noted the benefits of integrating services for the interconnected health issues, stating, “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.”
Additional voices from the health sector underscored the importance of this comprehensive approach. Dr Evdokia Dardamissis expressed pride in the city’s ongoing efforts, while Dr Paul Hine described the pledge as a “vital next step” that builds on strong partnerships and innovation across sectors. Liverpool’s move to adopt the Fast Track Cities + model aligns it with a growing global effort to take integrated and equity-focused action against infectious diseases. By working closely with communities and building on prior successes, Liverpool is striving to create a healthier, more equitable future free from HIV, blood-borne viruses, and tuberculosis. The announcement coincides with National HIV Testing Week (9–15 February), during which Liverpool’s services offer free testing and support to residents, encouraging them to know their status and join the city’s mission to eliminate new infections
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