4 APRIL 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HIV SELF-TESTING DEVICE BECOMES AVAILABLE
AS LATEST NSW HIV DATA IS RELEASED
The state's leading HIV prevention and support organisation, ACON, has welcomed the release of the latest HIV surveillance figures for NSW showing a decline in HIV notifications in 2018. The data comes as a new HIV self-testing device becomes available on the Australian market.
According to the NSW HIV Quarter 4 and Annual 2018 data from NSW Health, the number of new HIV notifications is significantly down in 2018 (278) when compared to the five-year average of 335. This figure represents a 17 per cent decrease in new infections for 2018.
Among gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM), the number of new HIV diagnoses in Australian-born MSM in 2018 was 33 per cent less compared to the previous five-year average, while the number of new notifications in overseas-born MSM in 2018 was three per cent less.
"What's clear from the 2018 data is that earlier diagnosis through increased testing, earlier uptake of treatment and the scale up of PrEP are all making an impact on our collective efforts to reduce HIV notifications in NSW," said ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill.
Despite the annual decrease overall, between October and December, there were 86 new HIV diagnoses – an increase compared to recent quarters. The increase was in both Australian and overseas-born men, particularly Australian-born men with evidence of early stage infection. However, of the 86 new HIV diagnoses, MSM made up 62 notifications. This is six per cent less than the average number of new diagnoses for gay men and MSM for the same quarter over the past five years.
"More data from upcoming quarters are needed to determine whether or not this increase continues, or whether the HIV rates revert to the levels seen earlier in 2018," ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said. "We're extremely hopeful that the HIV transmission data will continue to trend downward."
Thirty-nine per cent of overseas-born MSM diagnosed with HIV in 2018 had late or advanced stage disease, a 33 per cent increase compared to the previous five-year average. This may reflect better detection of long-standing infections as a result of increased HIV testing rates.
"Throughout 2018, ACON has been working hard to design, build and deliver responses to better engage overseas-born gay men and MSM, including the launch of a[TEST] Chinese Clinic," Mr Parkhill said.
"We will continue to work with a range of partners to ensure gay men and MSM born overseas can access appropriate HIV prevention, testing and treatment messages and services."
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