The Albanese Government is investing up to $12 million in a new partnership that will support local communities and governments in Southeast Asia and the Pacific to improve HIV testing and treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination, and lower transmission.
Australia will work with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and Health Equity Matters to deliver this new initiative, which aims to accelerate access to new HIV prevention and treatment solutions, through community-led responses.
HIV responses which are specifically crafted for and implemented by communities, are key to addressing stigma and discrimination, and reaching all those who need help.
From prevention to treatment, addressing stigma and discrimination is critical. HIV is a virus that affects all parts of the community, women and girls accounted for almost half of all new HIV infections in 2022. Therefore, community-led responses are an effective way of reaching all people who need assistance.
This is part of the Australian Government’s five-year $620 million Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, and is in addition to Australia’s ongoing support to UNAIDS and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
World AIDS Day, on 1 December, is a time to reflect on the remarkable progress made in the fight against HIV, and the work required to end the HIV epidemic and support those living with HIV.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“Globally we have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV – but there is still more to be done.
“It is critical that Australia supports communities in our region to end the HIV epidemic, including through sharing our own knowledge and experience.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:
“This new partnership will support locally led solutions to the HIV epidemic in our region – enabling affected communities to lead the response.
“We are building genuine partnerships across our region to reduce HIV transmission and support those living with HIV.”
CEO, Health Equity Matters, Adjunct Professor Darryl O’Donnell said:
“The most effective way to treat and prevent HIV is to empower the people who most feel its impact.
“We endorse the Government’s resolve to fight stigma and expand access to prevention, treatment and testing.”
Regional Director, UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia regions, Eamonn Murphy said:
“UNAIDS values Australia’s long-standing partnership globally and in the Indo-Pacific region, and particularly its commitment to community leadership.
“By supporting expanded access to HIV prevention and treatment while reducing stigma and discrimination, we can accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.”