The government is to pledge to eliminate HIV transmissions in England by 2030 with medical breakthroughs and better education ensuring AIDS is "no longer a death sentence".

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to make the commitment at the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), Evening Standard and Independent's AIDSfree Cities Global Forum.

He is to set a goal that there will be "no new infections" in the next decade to make England one of the first to hit the UN's zero infections target by 2030.

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"My generation grew up knowing AIDS was a potential death sentence," he is expected to say. "That doesn't have to be the case any more.

"Thanks to medical breakthroughs, public health campaigns, breaking down stigma and better education, AIDS is no longer a death sentence here.


"I feel proud that Britain has made such progress."

Mr Hancock also said he was angered by the lack of progress in other countries around the world.

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His department said an expert group would develop an action plan for the future.

"Today's commitment is a seminal moment in the fight to end new HIV transmissions in England," said Ian Green, the chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust.

"We now have the tools to end HIV transmissions. Through regular HIV testing, condom use, access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), prevention information and advice, and effective treatment which means people living with HIV cannot pass on the virus, we can stop HIV in its tracks."

He said increasing testing to ensure anyone not yet diagnosed could start treatment would help the country on its way to meeting its target.

He also said adding places to PrEP trials and making sure sexual health services were "properly funded" would also help.

Mr Green added: "The clock has now started ticking towards the end of HIV transmissions in England.

"Today's commitment demonstrates that the government has listened to our demand for a bold vision on HIV.

"Now it must act upon our call to ensure services and interventions are urgently put in place to ensure that by 2030 this pledge is made a reality."