On 1 December each year we commemorate World AIDS Day (WAD) and reflect upon our response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. In 2021 it will be 40 years since the first five cases of what later became known as AIDS were officially reported.
As NSW opens up and the week leading up to World AIDS Day has commenced, it is a good time for the community to speak to a healthcare professional about HIV testing and and prevention options available to them.
NSW Health, Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said the state has made great progress in the virtual elimination of the virus however testing rates are down from last year, driven by the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve come a long way over the last 40 years and have many new tools to help prevent HIV transmission including effective HIV treatment, condoms, sterile injecting equipment, and prevention medication – PrEP,” Dr Chant said.
For information about testing: https://pozhet.org.au/hiv-prevention/testing-options/
For more information about testing or sexual health call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
