Public Health England (PHE) is encouraging voluntary organisations across England to apply for national funding to support innovative projects that tackle the spread of HIV.

Despite major advances in treating HIV, an estimated 103,700 people in the UK have the virus, with a sixth (18,100) unaware and at risk of unknowingly passing it on to other people.

PHE’s new HIV Prevention Innovation Fund for 2016/2017 will offer a share of £600,000 for local HIV prevention initiatives that target people in the highest risk groups, including men who have sex with men and people from Black African communities.

Professor Kevin Fenton, PHE national director of health and wellbeing, said: “Our work with local partners is essential in fighting the rates of HIV in this country, which are still rising among certain groups. 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.”