HIV DIAGNOSES STABILISE, TREATMENT UPTAKE STRONG

published on September 14, 2015 by MEGAN HAGGAN, in AJP

New figures released by the Kirby Institute from its 2015 Annual Surveillance Report indicate that in 2014, HIV diagnoses in Australia remained stable, following a sharp rise in 2012.

Australia is however on target to meet global treatment targets, which are important for the health of people with HIV and for ongoing prevention efforts.

The data on treatment for people with HIV indicates a strong uptake of HIV treatment medications, and a high proportion of people maintaining an “undetectable” viral load.

An undetectable viral load has been proven to bring long-term health benefits for people with HIV, and to substantially prevent onward transmission of HIV. This is what is often referred to as “treatment as prevention”.

Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations executive director, Rob Lake, says, “High rates of treatment access are likely to reduce HIV infections in the future.

“However, if we are to meet the Australian target to virtually eradicate HIV transmission in Australia by 2020, more action is needed from us all – communities, governments, researchers and clinicians.

“Regular HIV testing is crucial to timely diagnosis, which in turn enables people to take advantage of treatment as soon as possible after infection. Unfortunately, over a quarter of people diagnosed with HIV in Australia are diagnosed late.

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HIV DIAGNOSES STABILISE, TREATMENT UPTAKE STRONG

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