HIV treatment extended

Foreign nationals in England are to be offered free treatment for HIV on the country’s National Health Service under plans backed by the government, BBC News reports.

Campaigners believe extending the treatment will reduce the risk of Britons being infected and cut the costs of more expensive later treatment.

There are an estimated 25,000 people with undiagnosed HIV in Britain, many of whom were born abroad.

The British Department of Health said it would bring England into line with Scotland and Wales, and there would be safeguards against “health tourism”.

Only British residents are currently eligible, which excludes migrants.