HIV Strategy launched

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg today launched the Queensland HIV Strategy 2013-15.

The Queensland Government has signed up to a national target to reduce HIV transmission by 50 per cent by 2016 and the strategy, launched in Townsville today, sets the agenda for change.

Mr Springborg said the document detailed a two-year plan of action by Queensland Health, developed in association with the Ministerial Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS (MAC).

“The strategy will deliver preventative programs, voluntary testing, initiatives to encourage people living with HIV to get treatment and how the stigma associated with HIV will be addressed,” Mr Springborg said.

“Rates of HIV notification doubled in Queensland in the past decade. A 15 per cent reduction this year is good news, but we need to do more.

“This new campaign will result in more HIV testing to achieve the national target that has been set.”

Mr Springborg said the Government’s E.N.D. H.I.V. campaign was generating positive community feedback.

“We have introduced rapid HIV testing in many centres across Queensland to provide easier and quicker test results,” he said.

“We plan to increase the number of general practitioners authorised to prescribe s100 medication and will work to ensure people living with HIV are working with a primary care provider.

“The next issue we hope to address is that of stigma and discrimination toward people living with HIV.”

Mr Springborg said HIV was a virus which could be eliminated through a comprehensive approach to support, education and prevention driving increased community and individual awareness.

“Quite simply, the Newman Government is committed to END HIV and this strategy is our plan to make it happen.”

[ENDS] 5 September 2013

Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585 230