High Court rules that NHS England can fund a preventative treatment for HIV

The High Court has ruled that the NHS can fund a preventative treatment for HIV.  Pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as Prep, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 90%. NHS England had previously argued that because it is a preventative drug it is not its responsibility and local authorities were responsible for all HIV prevention services.

The High Court challenge was brought by the National Aids Trust who argued that the drug was "urgently needed" and that local authorities did not have the sole responsibility for HIV prevention.

In this judgment, the judge said that there was nothing to stop the NHS paying for the drug.

Jenni Richards QC and Nicola Greaney were acting for the Local Government Association who were supporting the challenge.

See below for press coverage of the case:

BBC News

The Independent

The Guardian