Elton John’s Aids foundation is among the private backers behind £2 million investment into HIV services in Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark.

The investment, into what is called a social impact bond, will go towards making sure the NHS, local authorities, and local clinical commissioning groups are working together towards shared outcomes.

Social bonds are a way for private and not-for-profit organisations to partner in delivering better social outcomes, with investors only getting their money back if certain outcomes are achieved.

Lambeth has the highest rate of HIV in London, with 16.4 people per 1,000 aged between 15 to 59 diagnosed.

Southwark has the second highest rate in the capital with 11.5 per 1,000 people diagnosed in 2016, while Lewisham has an HIV rate of 8.2 in 1,000 residents.

Lambeth Council’s cabinet member for health and social care councillor Ed Davie said: “This new programme is hugely important for our borough because of our high relative rates of HIV infection, and because we have a high concentration of communities who are most at risk from HIV.

“I’m grateful for Sir Elton John’s contribution and proud that Lambeth Council is leading the way in tackling this important issue.”

The new programme will aim to “dramatically reduce” HIV transmission and ensure more people get the treatment and care they need, with work set to begin in July.

The main outcomes are to find those who have HIV and do not know, ensure people are able to access the treatment they need both to stay healthy and prevent onwards transmission of the disease, reconnect people who know they have HIV with care and treatment services.

As well as the Elton John Aids Foundation, a range of investors are providing the funds including the Big Lottery Fund.