HIV infections will not start declining until prevention investment is increased

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) described the increased HIV diagnoses in 2009 as ‘disappointing’ and called for increased investment in prevention programs by both state and territory governments, and the Australian Government.

The Annual Surveillance Report on Bloodborne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections for calendar year 2009, released today, reported 1,050 new diagnoses of HIV infection in 2009, compared with 1,001 in 2008 and 1,048 in 2007.

“These figures indicate a plateau over the last three years and it is clear we will not start driving HIV infection rates down unless governments at both state and national levels increase their investments in prevention programs”, said AFAO executive director Don Baxter.

“We are operating at the minimum level of investment to maintain HIV infections at this unacceptable rate -- but we should be aiming to drive the infection rate down.

“UNAIDS CEO Michael Sidibe challenged Australia to achive zero new HIV infections by 2015 during his visit here in September but we’re not going to get anywhere near there if we continue this ‘business-as-usual’ resourcing.”

Mr Baxter said the Report also indicated a continuing increased proportion of HIV diagnoses acquired overseas.

“This is a further reminder to all Australians working or holidaying overseas to be vigilant in their sexual behaviour or if using drugs. Research shows most of us take more risks while on holidays but, while exciting, it can also have devastating outcomes,” he said.

Mr Baxter also warned that the evidence indicated increasing rates of injecting drug use in many Aboriginal communities also threatens a significant increase in HIV infections over the next five years unless effective, community-led prevention programs are put in place.

See also:

ABC news

HIV on the rise in over 55s

HIV cases jump 50pc in a decade

Sydney Morning Herald

Not time to ease up on vigilance about HIV - Levinia Crooks, chief executive of the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine.