HIV cast a long shadow around the world in the 1980s. But Australia quickly became a world leader in fighting this epidemic.
Community advocates, governments, researchers and health professionals rallied together on a united response.
Today, we are on the cusp of eliminating HIV transmission in Australia.
Australia’s HIV response is world leading, and HIV notifications have declined since 2014.
We are now working towards virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2030.
It’s an ambitious goal, but given how far we have come, it is within reach. It relies on continuing to work together, empowering community leaders and delivering equity in health.
The way forward
Guiding our efforts is the newly released Ninth National HIV Strategy, which sets Australia’s priorities and actions over the next 5 years to 2030.
The strategy incorporates the Australian Government’s HIV Taskforce’s recommendations to:
- increase the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- increase testing rates
- ensure access to treatment
- raise awareness of HIV in the community
- review laws that reinforce stigma and discourage people from getting tested and seeking health care.
HIV is a nationally notifiable disease – these are diseases that present a risk to public health. We keep track of HIV cases through national surveillance and reporting done by the Kirby Institute.
Living with HIV
In Australia, about 30,000 people live with HIV.
Getting diagnosed with HIV today is very different to the early days.
Today, people living with HIV can live healthy and long lives by taking medicines, in line with their treatment plan.
Modern antiretroviral treatment (ART) is also very effective at suppressing viral load to prevent transmission to sexual partners.
And we can protect ourselves from HIV infection through sexual activity with PrEP. This played a major role in reducing Australia’s HIV notifications, and with long-acting PrEP now on the horizon, hopefully more people will be able to benefit.
And those who think they have been exposed to HIV can easily access post-exposure prophylaxis though their local hospital to prevent an infection.
PrEP is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, to make it more affordable. Talk to your doctor about whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Prevention, testing and treatment are critical
Getting tested regularly, having safe sex, and seeking immediate health care if exposed are all critical to ending HIV transmission.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, testing rates declined to the lowest levels in the previous 10 years.
Most HIV transmission occurs where one partner has HIV but does not know it. So, lower rates of testing mean higher chances of people being undiagnosed and transmitting the infection.
With self-testing kits and point-of-care diagnostics increasingly available, getting tested has never been easier. Testing is the first step to knowing your status and getting the care and treatment you might need.
Smashing the stigma
Unfortunately, stigma and discrimination remain one of the biggest barriers to people seeking treatment and support.
It’s unacceptable that people living with HIV still face stigma and discrimination.
Every one of us plays a part in ending this by:
- educating ourselves and others
- challenging misconceptions
- advocating for the rights of people living with HIV
- promoting acceptance.
World AIDS Day
Held on 1 December each year, World AIDS Day raises awareness of HIV and AIDS in our community and across the world.
It reminds us that HIV is still a global epidemic, and is a chance for us to:
- show our support for people living with HIV
- raise awareness about prevention, treatment and care
- end stigma and discrimination
- remember people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses.
More information and support
For more information and support, see:
- World AIDS Day – for information on what the day means and how to get involved
- National Association of People with HIV Australia – which provides advocacy, representation, policy and health promotion for people with HIV
- Health Equity Matters – the national federation for Australia’s leading HIV and LGBTIQA+ organisations
- healthdirect – for health information about HIV and AIDS.