The federal budget 2024-25 has been welcomed by peak HIV/AIDS bodies, who say it continues to light a path towards virtual elimination of HIV transmission in Australia.
In the second budget by the Albanese government since it came to office, $43.9 million was committed over three years to expand activities that address priorities as identified in the HIV taskforce report recommendations.
The taskforce was established in 2023 with the aim to end the HIV epidemic and achieve the virtual elimination of transmission by 2030.
In November the taskforce released a report with a number of recommendations from everything including increasing the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to increasing awareness in resources and delivering a national response to a variety of programs.
To that end, $26 million was committed over two years for subsidised PrEP HIV prevention medication for people living in Australia without access to Medicare.
A further $3.8 million was committed for the national implementation of the HIV testing vending machine initiative, while $3.7 million was committed for additional funding to peak HIV organisations to continue activities that support the national response to HIV.
Furthermore, $3 million was put aside for the continuation of the sexual health website Emen8 and $2.5 million was allocated to expand the national HIV self-test mail out initiative.
Funds totalling $2.1 million will be provided to continue funding for the HIV online learning Australia workforce and $1.6 million will be spent over the next year to develop a workforce education and training pilot on HIV prevention.
Finally, $1 million will be used to establish a national HIV multicultural peer navigation program.
“Australia now has the potential to become the first country to achieve virtual elimination of HIV,” said Mark Orr AM, president of Health Equity Matters, the national federation for the HIV community response that will be a recipient of some of the additional funding to expand activities.
“This budget commitment lights a bright path, focusing on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), testing, treatment, and awareness. It leverages the robust and impactful collaboration between community, healthcare professionals, researchers, and government that has been instrumental in Australia’s success since the beginning of the HIV epidemic,” said Orr.
The most recent Kirby Institute HIV surveillance report revealed diagnoses in Australia have decreased by half over the past decade and remained consistent over the last year, with 555 diagnoses in 2022.
The report highlighted minor HIV detection increases among the heterosexual community, as well as in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, and in certain states and territories.
“When attempting to overcome an epidemic, the final stretch will be the most challenging,” Health Equity Matters chief executive Dash Heath-Paynter said.
“This is why the government’s commitment to ending HIV transmission is so crucial. We must maintain our momentum.”
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
