Department of Health and Aged Care (Australia), 3 May 2023
The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to eliminate HIV transmission in Australia, and address the health disparities experienced by LGBTIQA+ people.
An additional $19.7 million in the 2023–24 Budget will ensure better access to HIV testing, treatment and information, including support for the HIV workforce and to continue to address other Blood Borne Virus (BBV) and Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI).
The Government will:
- expand access to HIV treatment for people who are ineligible for Medicare to ensure no one is left behind
- extend the HIV testing vending machine pilot to increase access to HIV testing for students in South Australia
- fund the Emen8 website, a critical information hub for sharing HIV information for members of the LGBTIQA+ community
- fund the HIV Online Learning Australia program to provide up-to-date education and training for the HIV workforce
- provide additional support for BBV and STI peaks ($2.9 million) including for the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) and National Association of People with HIV in Australia (NAPWHA) to drive the national response
- provide funding to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations for BBV and STI testing, treatment and care services for First Nations Australians ($5.0 million).
Read more here: Eliminating HIV transmission and ensuring health equity for LGBTIQA+ Australians