World AIDS Day 2019

In recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1st, Australia reaffirms its commitment today to work with global partners to eliminate AIDS and the discrimination faced by those living with HIV.

Australia is steadfast in supporting the global fight against HIV/AIDS. In October 2019, we announced a 10 per cent increase to our contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for its sixth replenishment period (2020-2022).

Global AIDS-related deaths have dropped by more than 55 per cent since the peak in 2004, and there has been an estimated 16 per cent decline in new infections since 2010. But there is more work to do with 5.9 million people living with HIV in our region, and 200,000 AIDS-related deaths and 310,000 new infections in 2018 alone.

The Indo-Pacific region continues to suffer a high burden of HIV. The epidemic is now concentrated in key, vulnerable populations. Through long-term partners such as UNAIDS and the Global Fund, Australia is improving access to life-saving HIV prevention and treatment services.

Australia’s development assistance in partnership with our nearest neighbour Papua New Guinea is supporting better access to antiretroviral therapy for more than 6,000 people living with HIV and HIV-testing for more than 50,000 people since 2017.

Australia’s Health Security Initiative for the Indo-Pacific Region tackles emerging infectious diseases, and combats drug resistance, including in HIV. Australia’s support for HIV diagnosis, prevention, and treatment contributes to better health security in our region and beyond.

Addressing and preventing HIV/AIDS in the Indo-Pacific region contributes to regional prosperity, security and stability.