Progress and Challenges in Ending HIV and AIDS in Australia

Abstract

This review considers Australia's progress towards the elimination of HIV and AIDS, as specified in international targets. In particular, it considers the reaction to recent media reports that Australia has 'ended AIDS' and evaluates progress towards reducing HIV transmission. Recent surveillance data and research show significant improvements in HIV testing and treatment, but countervailing trends such as increased condomless sex between gay and other men who have sex with men. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being implemented at scale in some jurisdictions, with the hope that this will significantly alter the trajectory of Australia's HIV epidemic, which has been stable for the last five years (at around 1000-1100 infections per year). The ongoing challenge in maintaining investment, while also considering how to respond to the diversification of the local epidemic, means that Australia has entered a critical period in which evidence of PrEP's impact is eagerly awaited.

Keywords: Australia; Evaluation; HIV prevention; HIV testing; HIV treatment; HIV/AIDS; Surveillance.