The federal Government has tonight granted the greatest increase in funding to prevent, diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses in at least two decades, with a $45 million boost over four years.

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations has strongly and warmly endorsed the decision, which will turbocharge progress against HIV.

The announcement will see additional investment in the HIV workforce, particularly within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It bolsters health promotion among communities at risk of HIV and will foster nationally consistent HIV prevention work. It will also promote treatment and measures to improve quality of life for people with HIV.

“We strongly and warmly welcome the government’s recognition of the benefits of driving serious progress against HIV,” said Darryl O’Donnell, CEO of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations.

“This package is the greatest boost to resources we have seen in two decades and allows us to accelerate the end of HIV transmission. It will also ease the financial impact of the epidemic through early investment for long term gain.

“This investment puts resources where they are needed. It will upgrade the skills of the HIV workforce, foster nationally consistent policy and seriously bolster community education.

“Especially encouraging is the fact we now have bipartisan recognition of the importance of this work. Federal Labor has committed a similar amount.

“We congratulate both the Government and Opposition for their recognition that we can make great progress in driving down HIV transmission. We look forward to working in partnership in deliver on this investment.

“These commitments reflect a return to a bipartisan consensus that Australian can be a global leader on HIV.

“We are at critical juncture in the HIV journey. Science and medicine have delivered exciting news tools like the once-a-day prevention pill PrEP, along with HIV self-testing.

“This package allows us to make the most of these new tools. We can now seriously contemplate the effective end of HIV transmission in Australia.”

To arrange an interview call Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS MEDIA RELEASE HERE:  Federal Funding Boost for HIV