The NSW Government is aiming to virtually eliminate HIV transmission by 2030, through strengthening testing, improving access to care, and continuing to support people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
The NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030, launched today, sets out the next phase of the state's response to HIV, building on significant progress over the past decade in prevention, testing and treatment, while focusing on delivering accessible and tailored care to meet the needs of priority populations.
NSW continues to perform strongly against global targets set by the United Nations, with 99 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV on treatment, and 99 per cent of those having an undetectable viral load, which means HIV cannot be transmitted.
However, only 92 per cent of people living with HIV in NSW are estimated to know their status, highlighting the need to increase testing and early diagnosis to ensure all people living with HIV are connected into care.
HIV diagnoses in NSW have stabilised in recent years, with 211 new diagnoses in 2025 and 237 in 2024.
The NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030 focuses on four key areas, including:
- Preventing HIV transmission through education and access to prevention methods like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Making it easier for people across NSW to get tested and find out their HIV status sooner
- Supporting people living with HIV to access treatment and appropriate care
- Eliminating stigma and discrimination.
Prevention coverage remains high in NSW, with more than 80 per cent of men who have sex with men with casual partners reporting use of at least one effective HIV prevention method, such as PrEP, condoms, or treatment as prevention.
As of 2025, more than 40,000 NSW residents had been dispensed PrEP since its listing on the PBS in April 2018, supporting a 24 per cent of reduction in HIV notifications.
Treatment is also being started quickly. In 2025, 82 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV started treatment within four weeks, 90 per cent within six weeks and 96 per cent within six months of diagnosis.
The NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030 emphasises strong partnerships with community-led organisations, clinicians, local health districts and researchers, recognising their central role in delivering effective and culturally appropriate services across NSW.
The Strategy builds on the Minns Government's commitment of more than $20 million in the 2025-2026 Budget to non-government organisations supporting people living with or affected by HIV in NSW.
To learn more about the NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030 visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/endinghiv/Pages/NSW-HIV-Strategy-2026-2030.aspx
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"We have made real progress in NSW in reducing HIV transmission and improving health outcomes.
"However, we are determined to virtually eliminate HIV transmission in NSW and support people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives, stigma free.
"We are setting the bar high with this strategy, ensuring everyone across NSW, regardless of where they live or where they're from, can access timely testing and treatment, and receive the support they need."
Quotes attributable to Member for Sydney Alex Greenwhich MP:
"The LGBTQ community and men who have sex with men should be congratulated for their safe sexual practices, which have nearly ended HIV transmission in NSW, particularly through the high uptake of PrEP and PEP."
"This strategy further strengthens NSW's leading response, with a renewed focus on testing, reducing stigma and discrimination, and continuing to ensure access to PrEP and PEP."
Quotes attributable to ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse:
"ACON strongly endorses the new NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy sets out a comprehensive plan to end HIV transmissions and meet the needs of people living with HIV. Now we must work together to ensure it is implemented.
"We know that there are some groups who are missing out on access to modern HIV prevention methods. To achieve the virtual elimination of HIV transmission by 2030, we need to close the equity gap.
"We must ensure that testing, treatment and prevention services are reaching everyone who needs them. We need to make it as easy as possible for people to know their HIV status. Knowing your status allows you to take steps to look after your own health and that of your partners."
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant:
"HIV is a global issue, and we have worked hard in NSW to strengthen prevention, expand testing and improve access to timely treatment.
"The NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030 builds on our successes and sets a clear direction to help achieve the virtual elimination of HIV transmission by 2030.
"Improving access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment for priority populations remains central to our strategy, ensuring services are equitable, culturally safe, and reach the communities most affected."
