Facts and figures:
The Kirby Institute Report confirmed 835 HIV diagnoses across Australia in 2018.
This represents a decline in new diagnoses of 23 per cent in the past five years and this is the lowest number of new diagnoses since 2001.
The largest decline in HIV diagnoses has been seen in homosexual men, which has declined by 30 per cent in the past five years.
How it works:
Australia’s National Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy is supported by an investment of $45.4 million in the 2019 budget.
The strategy aims to reduce the impact of blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections, including HIV.
Key initiatives include:
- Listing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention on the PBS
- Including additional HIV treatment medicines
- Ensuring the broadest possible access to new direct-acting antiviral treatments for hepatitis C
In addition, $5 million will be invested over two years and will provide support to national peak organisations to assist in implementing these initiatives.
