On the eve of World AIDS Day, the Albanese Government has launched the 9th National HIV Strategy to virtually eliminate HIV transmission in Australia by 2030.
The Strategy will build a sustainable future for HIV care in Australia and make sure that no Australian is left behind.
In 2023, the HIV Taskforce was established to develop recommendations to the Australian Government on priority areas of action. This new Strategy is informed by the Taskforce's findings.
The Strategy focuses on reducing new and late diagnoses, improving HIV outcomes for priority populations, implementing new models for testing and treatment, and addressing ongoing stigma and discrimination.
It also endorses the Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) campaign, a global effort to tackle the stigma of HIV and highlight that HIV cannot be sexually transmitted when a person with HIV has an undetectable viral load through antiretroviral therapy.
The Strategy was developed in partnership with key HIV organisations, health professionals, academics and state and territory governments, to ensure a coordinated national response.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"In the 40 years since HIV/AIDS reached Australia, we have made remarkable progress. This Strategy marks one of the final steps to achieving the virtual elimination of HIV transmission in Australia."
"I want to assure you that as we stem the rate of transmission, we are not leaving any Australians behind and will continue offering high quality care to people living with HIV in Australia."
