Queensland leads the way to HIV breakthrough

A Queensland campaign to open access to treatment for all HIV-positive patients has produced changes Australia-wide.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said that for the first time, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee had approved anti-retroviral treatment for all HIV-positive patients.

“I have received a letter from the Australasian Society for HIV medicine (ASHM), thanking the Newman Government for its efforts in pursuit of this important milestone,” Mr Springborg said.

“Under the guidance of our recently-established HIV Foundation and its Chair, Dr Darren Russell, the Government worked closely with ASHM in a campaign to abolish rules that limited anti-retroviral treatment access. These rules counted CD4 or T-Cells in patients’ immune systems to determine their HIV/AIDS status.”

The Minister said that from April, 2014, anti-retroviral treatment prescription would be available to any HIV-positive patient irrespective of their CD4 count or the presence of symptomatic disease. 

“Treatment will based on individual assessment of the patient and their preparedness to start and comply with life-long therapy,” he said. “Previously, patients could only access this vital treatment if they had a CD4 count of less than 500 per cubic millimetre.

“This means people with HIV can be treated earlier. Earlier access means they are less likely to be hospitalised. It means a lower risk that others will be infected. It’s a step forward for health equity in Australia.

“It is about giving people longer, healthier lives while reducing the financial strain on public health.”

Queensland was a champion of change, promoting innovation in HIV policy. The LNP State Government had launched a state-wide HIV plan and was the first jurisdiction to use rapid HIV testing as part of standard clinical practice.

Dr Darren Russell, Director of Sexual Health at Cairns Base Hospital and Chair of the HIV Foundation Queensland, said the change would help reduce HIV rates in the community.

“Queensland is moving in the right direction,” he said. “Working collaboratively with groups, such as the ASHM, even better outcomes are possible.

“Keeping people healthier and preventing HIV is the name of the game,” Dr Russell said.

[ENDS]  23 December, 2013

Media contact: Clare Mildren 0417 255 284