Australia on track to virtually eliminate HIV – but focus needed to ensure no one is left behind Australia's national HIV surveillance report shows that while new HIV diagnoses have increased slightly in the past two years, the overall trajectory remains strongly positive. Diagnoses are still well below levels seen a decade ago, with numbers halved since 2014. Dash Heath-Paynter, CEO of Health Equity Matters, said Australia was coming off a period of unusually low diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic, when both risk behaviour and testing rates dropped significantly. "We've had great success in reducing HIV in Australia over the past decade, driven by strong community leadership and rock solid political leadership," Mr Heath-Paynter said.
"The long-term trend is clear: Australia is closer than ever to achieving the virtual elimination of HIV transmission. The recent small increase needs to be seen in the context of coming off a very low base during the pandemic years." Mr Heath-Paynter said the data released today by the Kirby Institute also highlighted persistent inequities that must be addressed to ensure no one is left behind. "HIV diagnoses have more than halved among Australian-born people over the past decade. But for people born overseas, no reduction has been observed. "We need to urgently implement health services co-designed with the communities they serve. That is the best way to raise awareness of HIV, increase use of proven prevention strategies, encourage testing and improve access to care."
Almost one third of HIV diagnoses in 2024 were considered late, meaning people may have been living with HIV for years before diagnosis. "Late diagnosis is a major concern – it delays treatment, increases the risk of serious illness, and allows ongoing transmission. "Making HIV testing easier and more accessible, including self-testing, is essential so people can know their status and connect with care."
Health Equity Matters remains committed to leading the effort to virtually eliminate HIV transmission in Australia. "We are closer than ever to achieving this goal – renewed effort and focus will allow us to make further progress."
