The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation has strongly endorsed the Federal Government's $26 million investment in LGBTIQA+ health research, announced at the WorldPride 2023 Human Rights Conference in Sydney.
The investment was announced alongside the development of a new 10 Year National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people which will guide how Australia addresses health disparities and improves the health system. An LGBTIQA+ Health Advisory Group will be established to guide its progress.
Despite strong progress in treating and preventing HIV transmission, which has declined 37% in the six years to 2022, Australia faces enduring challenges with LGBTIQA+ health.
More than one-in-four young LGBTQA+ people have attempted suicide at some point in their lives, while more than six-in-ten have sought counselling or other support.
Research shows almost two-thirds (64%) of LGBTQ respondents avoid seeing a GP when they need to because they are not confident they will understand their life and health needs (33%), fear judgement (32%), poor past experience (28%), and lack of trust (27%).
The funding announced by Minister Ged Kearney will be administered through the Medical Research Future Fund and was warmly welcomed by AFAO CEO, Darryl O'Donnell.
"More than one-in-four young LGBTQA+ people have attempted suicide at some point in their lives, while more than six-in-ten have sought counselling or other support.
"Stigma and discrimination are enormous hurdles standing in the way of LGTIQA+ people seeking and receiving the healthcare they need.
"With such shocking disparities in health outcomes, it's clear that primary health care is not working for LGBTIQA+ people. We need to better understand why and how to fix that.
"This investment promises to be a game changer. It will transform our understanding of LGBTIQA+ health and properly inform the scope, scale and character of health services needed to arrest the health crisis facing our communities
"AFAO strongly endorses Minister Kearney's commitment to give more LGBTIQA+ Australians the support they need to lead their best lives.
"Over coming months, AFAO will be consulting with LGBTIQA+ people across Australia to understand their needs and preferences for health care.
"There is incredible diversity across LGBTIQA+ communities, all of which must be understood if we're to create more responsive primary health care services.
"From our consultations, we will be advising the Government on the changes needed to provide better primary health care for LGTBIQA+ Australians.
"We're delighted the Government is committing to a new national plan to address health disparities for LGBTIQA+ communities, and look forward to partnering in its development and delivery.
