Innovative HIV projects across England can now apply for national funding from Public Health England (PHE).
PHE has announced an HIV Prevention Innovation Fund for 2016 to 2017 of up to £600,000, for local HIV prevention initiatives.
Proposals that tackle diagnosis, stigma, risky behaviours and the integration of HIV prevention into wider sexual and reproductive health are particularly welcomed say PHE.
Public health minister Jane Ellison said: 'Stopping the spread of HIV remains a priority for the UK government.
We are already seeing some exciting prospects develop from last year’s fund and I am looking forward to seeing more creativity and innovation this time round.'
The application phase for the new National HIV prevention innovation fund opens on Tuesday 10 May until Thursday 16 June 2016. Applications are encouraged from voluntary sector organisations, supported by their local authority, for projects that target groups at high risk. These include gay and bisexual men and Black African communities. However, targeted and innovative local initiatives can reduce the risk of people contracting or passing on HIV, said PHE.
'Our work with local partners is essential in fighting the rates of HIV in this country, which are still rising among certain groups,' said Professor Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing at PHE.
'The fund represents an opportunity for local areas to further benefit from national support and I hope to see a range of applications, showcasing creative local solutions to a longstanding public health issue.'
The total available fund for 2016 to 2017 is up to £600,000. Those interested can register at hiv.prevention@phe.gov.uk.
HIV is still a public health concern despite major advances in treatment. An estimated 103,700 people in the UK have the condition with a sixth (18,100) unaware and at risk of unknowingly passing on the virus to others.