Australia's world-leading HIV response has been strengthened by new government commitments announced at the World AIDS Day Parliamentary Breakfast.
Health Equity Matters CEO Dash Heath-Paynter welcomed the release of a new National HIV Strategy by Health Minister, the Hon. Mark Butler at the Parliamentary Breakfast, describing it as a continuation of Australia's multipartisan approach to tackling HIV.
"Since the earliest days of the HIV epidemic, Australia has had a standalone HIV Strategy that has framed priorities and actions for implementation. Australia's response has been world-leading, backed by a multipartisan commitment to working in partnership with affected communities, health workers, researchers and advocates," Dash Heath-Paynter said.
The Strategy commits Australia to make HIV prevention medication PrEP more accessible by expanding access for those ineligible for Medicare, and reducing financial barriers to treatment.
The Strategy also commits to a new HIV awareness and anti-stigma campaign to be developed in partnership with key organisations.
"Implementing these recommendations will make a real difference in the fight against HIV. It will reduce transmission, tackle stigma and discrimination, and help ensure everyone living with HIV receives the treatment, care and support they need," Dash Heath-Paynter said.
Health Equity Matters also warmly welcomes a new commitment announced by Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, a $3 million investment in a community health and research clinic to drive universal access to integrated HIV services in Vietnam and Laos.
"Australia's investment in the Asia Pacific HIV response is a tangible expression of solidarity and co-operation. We sincerely thank the Australian Government and Foreign Minister Wong for their enduring commitment to ease the burden of disease and drive progress."
Today's Parliamentary Breakfast reaffirmed the multipartisan effort that has underpinned Australia's HIV response with Opposition Health Spokesperson, Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston, addressing the event, along with Opposition Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham and Greens Health Spokesperson, Senator the Hon. Jordan Steele-John.
Dash Heath-Paynter said Health Equity Matters looked forward to continuing to partner with the Australian Government and international agencies to work across the Asia-Pacific region, where HIV continues to have a profound impact.
"Through partnerships with DFAT, UNAIDS and the Global Fund, we've strengthened our commitment to regional action, delivering programs in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Malaysia, Bhutan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Mongolia focused on community empowerment and leadership and law reform," he said.
"As we mark World AIDS Day 2024, we celebrate the remarkable progress made towards eliminating HIV transmission while reaffirming our commitment to ending the epidemic for everyone, both in Australia and throughout our region."
About World AIDS Day:
World AIDS Day is marked annually on December 1. It's an opportunity to show support for people with HIV, commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related conditions, and raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
