Australia is on the brink of eliminating HIV transmission, marking a significant milestone in public health. New data from the Kirby Institute at the University of NSW reveals a remarkable 53 percent decrease in HIV diagnoses among individuals born in Australia over the past decade, with just 757 cases reported in 2024. This improvement stands in stark contrast to earlier years of the epidemic, when the first AIDS case was identified in 1982.
However, the overall decline in diagnoses is tempered by a lack of progress for those born overseas, leading to a total reduction of 27 percent across all demographics. The downward trend is notable despite a slight increase in cases in recent years, which health experts attribute to a resurgence in testing and behaviours following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dash Heath-Paynter, CEO of Health Equity Matters, a federation representing Australia’s leading HIV and LGBTIQA+ organizations, credits the nation’s progress to strong community leadership and continuous political support. He stated, “We’ve had great success in reducing HIV in Australia over the past decade driven by strong community leadership and rock solid political leadership. The long-term trend is clear: Australia is closer than ever to achieving the virtual elimination of HIV transmission.”
Historical Context and Current Challenges
The trajectory of HIV in Australia sharply contrasts with the early years of the epidemic. Following the introduction of screening in 1985, diagnoses peaked in 1987 before a significant decline due to effective public health campaigns, such as condom distribution and needle and syringe programs. Yet, disparities in progress remain evident.
Mr. Heath-Paynter emphasizes that nearly one in three new cases in 2024 were late diagnoses, meaning these individuals had lived with HIV for years before being identified. “Late diagnosis is a major concern – it delays treatment, increases the risk of serious illness and allows ongoing transmission,” he remarked. He advocates for easier access to HIV testing, including self-testing options, to ensure individuals can understand their status and connect with necessary care.
The federal government has committed nearly $44 million towards this goal, including approximately $26 million to subsidize pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals not covered by Medicare. Innovative awareness and prevention campaigns are also underway, alongside the introduction of vending machines for HIV tests, expanded mail-out programs for self-testing kits, and improved training for health professionals.
The Broader Landscape of Sexual Health
While Australia makes strides in HIV prevention, other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are rising. Reported cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea have more than doubled in the past decade, and chlamydia remains the most prevalent STI in the nation, with over 100,000 cases in 2024, reflecting an increase of nearly 18 percent over the last ten years. Dr. Skye McGregor, an epidemiologist and lead researcher at the Kirby Institute, expressed concern about this trend, stating that early testing and treatment are crucial to preventing serious health outcomes.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are disproportionately affected by these infections, with syphilis rates exceeding those of non-Indigenous Australians by more than five times. Despite a significant reduction in HIV notification rates among First Nations people—almost halving from 2021—challenges remain, particularly regarding access to healthcare and the timeliness of diagnoses.
Scott Harlum, president of the National Association of People with HIV Australia, highlighted the importance of recognizing the individuals behind the statistics. He noted, “Each of last year’s 757 diagnoses are individuals, each with lived experience of the reasons why health systems have failed to prevent HIV transmission.”
Australia’s commitment to eliminating HIV transmission reflects a broader public health goal, but ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure that all communities benefit from advancements in healthcare. As Mr. Heath-Paynter concluded, “We are closer than ever to achieving this goal; renewed effort and focus will allow us to make further progress.”
