Australia has made great progress in preventing and treating HIV. Today, HIV treatment helps people living with HIV live long and healthy lives. When HIV treatment keeps the virus at an undetectable level, HIV cannot be passed on through sex. PrEP also gives people a safe and effective way to prevent HIV. Australia is now working towards ending HIV transmission by 2030. There have been many successes along the way, including better access to testing, treatment and PrEP. Community organisations and people living with HIV have played an instrumental role in these achievements.

There is still more to do

While Australia is making progress, HIV still exists. The number of new HIV diagnoses has fallen in some communities, however, this is not a consistent decline across all. People who have recently moved to Australia make up a growing number of new HIV diagnoses. Some people may come from places where HIV testing, PrEP and other sexual health services are not accessible, due to cost or cultural norms. Creating health services in Australia, that are easy to access, welcoming and culturally safe can help people feel more comfortable getting tested, talking about HIV and accessing PrEP or treatment.

Community has always been important.

People living with HIV and community organisations have played a major role in Australia’s HIV response. In the early years of the HIV epidemic, people living with HIV came together to support each other, share information and speak up for better care. This community action helped shape Australia’s response to HIV. That work continues today. Community-led services, peer support, testing programs and health promotion all help make HIV services easier to access.

HIV care is changing

There are now more ways to access HIV testing and prevention. Free HIV testing kits are available through vending machines in every state and territory. Some services also offer rapid testing and PrEP in community settings. These services can make it easier for people to get the information, testing and care they need in a way that feels comfortable for them. PROVIDE LINK

The work continues

Australia has come a long way in the fight against HIV. But reaching the goal of ending HIV transmission will take continued effort. Everyone should be able to access HIV testing, prevention, treatment and support, regardless of their identity or cultural background. The progress we have made shows what is possible when communities, health services and governments work together. Continuing this work will help Australia move closer to ending HIV transmission.

Read the full ABC News article: Australia’s fight against HIV is not over as new challenges disrupt progress