$39m funding to improve HIV treatment

A $39 million investment from the federal government will allow people without Medicare to access government-funded HIV treatment.

Under the new funding model, people with HIV without Medicare will access free or subsidised treatment from hospital pharmacies or sexual health clinics, depending on which state or territory they live in.

Previously, people with HIV without Medicare accessed treatment through an industry-sponsored compassionate access scheme.

ASHM CEO Alexis Apostolellis said, “These new arrangements will increase access to treatment for hundreds of people with HIV in Australia — a significant step towards achieving Australia’s goal of ending HIV transmission by 2030.”

To seamlessly and effectively implement these changes, it’s crucial we equip doctors, nurses, pharmacists, community health workers and sexual health workers with the information they need to realise these significant changes, Apostolellis said.

To ensure medical professionals understand what these changes mean and how to provide accurate information and advice to clients, ASHM has released state-specific webinars and online resources on these new protocols.

Greater access to treatment for people with HIV in Australia without Medicare will improve health outcomes for individuals, while decreasing transmission of HIV and working towards the goal of ending HIV transmission by 2030, said ASHM in a statement.

Infographic courtesy of ASHM. For a clearer version, click here.