In this initiative, the organisations will provide free infant formula to mothers living with HIV, supporting the city’s goal of ending new HIV diagnoses by 2030 as part of the global Fast-Track Cities initiative.

With many individuals currently living with HIV in the city, Liverpool has made significant strides in HIV prevention and care, testing rates have doubled over the past decade leading to earlier diagnoses and swift, effective treatments. For more information about HIV testing check out our testing info page here.

To further reduce the risk of HIV transmission, Liverpool council and George House Trust have come together to ensure that babies born to HIV-positive mothers have access to infant formula, this measure, recommended by the British HIV Association (BHIVA), eliminates the potential risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding.

Counsillor Harry Doyle shared a statement on X (formally known as Twitter):

“For our public health grant, we’ll supply free formula milk to mothers living with HIV, ensuring that their babies can have the best start in life… This initiative will not only ensure that newborns receive the nutrition that they need to thrive, but also offer peace of mind to mothers living with HIV, knowing that they have access to a vital resource to support their child’s growth and development.”

You can find the full statement here.

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New mothers will be referred to George House Trust by their midwife or HIV consultant and receive infant formula until their baby reaches 12 months old, the scheme is now live and complements George House Trust’s existing support programs in Liverpool, which include counselling, peer mentoring, and group activities.