Could Queensland lead the way in eliminating HIV

published on August 11, 2016 by Emma Clarke, in The Morning Bulletin

QUEENSLAND is in line to lead the nation in becoming the first country in the world to put a stop to HIV transmissions.

That was the challenge set as part of the HIV Foundation Queensland Treatment and Prevention Roadshow which visited Rockhampton this week - but the state has a challenger in British Columbia, Vancouver to lead the world in HIV prevention.

The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV AIDS brought their research and findings to regional Queensland in a bid to help individuals stay healthy but also help to prevent transmissions of HIV.

And with 200 new confirmed cases in Queensland every year, it's a tough challenge to meet.

...

Dr Rolando Barrios: HIVFQ Treatment as Prevention Roadshow speaker Dr Rolando Barrios

BC centre for excellence in HIV AIDS assistant director Dr Rolando Barrios Queensland had embraced the idea as treatment as prevention and two years ago the state signed a memorandum of understanding with the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV AIDS.

"We certainly want to see more people be tested for HIV and know their HIV status, whether it be positive or negative,” Dr Barrios said.

"We would also like to see more clinicians engage in offering tests and supporting individuals who test positive and initiate them on treatment to control the HIV virus.

"And also the in not distance future see a decline on the new HIV transmissions in (Queensland) as we have in Vancouver."

Irene Day: HIVFQ Treatment as Prevention Roadshow speaker Irene Day.

The challenge was set by BC Centre for Excellence in HIV AIDS director of operations Irene Day who said putting a stop to HIV transmissions was a "win for politicians, the community and the public purse".

"I'd like to accept the challenge that instead of Australia to be the first country to be HIV and AIDS free I'd like to challenge Canada to do that," she said.

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Rolando Barrios

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

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Could Queensland lead the way in eliminating HIV

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