LIVERPOOL City Council partners with George House Trust to provide free infant formula to mothers living with HIV.

Liverpool City Council is collaborating with HIV support charity George House Trust to support the City’s bold ambition of ending new HIV diagnoses by 2030, as part of its commitment to the global Fast-Track Cities initiative.

There are currently 901 people living with HIV in Liverpool, which is relatively low compared to other similar core cities. Over the last 10 years, the City’s testing rate has doubled (increase of 111%), and late diagnosis rates are falling. This is good news and means that many people are testing sooner, and that more people are being supported into treatment and care as early as possible.

Thanks to funding from Liverpool City Council, the Public Health team will work closely with George House Trust to ensure babies born to mothers living with HIV have access to free infant formula. This initiative eliminates the small risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding and provides much-needed reassurance to families.

Due to advances in HIV treatment and care, the number of babies born with HIV has dropped significantly in recent years. Providing free infant formula not only protects newborns, but also alleviates the financial burden on families, especially in the context of rising living costs.

The British HIV Association (BHIVA) recommends exclusive infant formula feeding to prevent HIV transmission through breastmilk. While cases of HIV transmission to babies in the UK are extremely rare, this initiative further supports Liverpool’s ambition to achieve zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030.

New mothers will be referred to George House Trust by their midwife or HIV consultant and infant formula will be provided from birth until the baby is 12 months old.

The scheme is live now and builds on George House Trust’s existing services in Liverpool, including 1-to-1 support, counselling, peer mentoring, and group activities.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, said:- “We are proud to launch this vital initiative. Over recent years, Liverpool has made significant strides in tackling HIV, from improving access to testing, to ensuring excellent care and support. This is another example of how our Fast-Track Cities partnership is delivering projects that make a real difference to our communities.” 

Director of Public Health for Liverpool, Professor Matthew Ashton, said:- “We are absolutely committed to ending all new transmissions of HIV in Liverpool by 2030. We have an ambitious plan to prevent new cases, and to support people with HIV to live well. This initiative will reduce onward transmission and is an innovative way to provide much needed support to mothers living with HIV in our City”. 

Darren Knight, George House Trust Chief Executive, said:- “We are delighted our new service will provide free infant formula for HIV positive mums in Liverpool, giving mother and baby the best start in life. George House Trust’s partnership with Liverpool City Council means HIV positive parents don’t have to be concerned about HIV transmission and can enjoy a worry-free life with their new-born babies.” 

Maria [not her real name], a mum receiving infant formula via George House Trust said:- “Free infant formula has given me more confidence when feeding my baby. The programme has been more than financial support for me, it provides psychological support because I know that by choosing to use formula my baby will stay HIV negative.” 

For more information, contact Alex Sparrowhawk, HIV Advice, Support, and Information Services Manager, at:- 0161 546 3538 or:- alex@ght.org.uk.