Taking Stock of HIV in Australia, 45 Years On

Taking Stock of HIV in Australia, 45 Years On

ABC National News Channel in Australia and its associated website have taken a lengthy look at HIV and AIDS, reflecting on the current moment of near eradication of the virus, whilst at the same time acknowledging the United Nations' warnings that in some territories, the stigma and lack of investment threatens a new epidemic.

From long term survivors from the gay male community, whose steady organising against all the odds changed the landscape of public health campaigns across the world, to women living with HIV, aboriginal leaders bringing the message to first nation peoples and today's education groups, Australia is well on course to eradicate HIV.

ABC correspondents note " There were 1.2 million new HIV infections in 2025, according to a UNAIDS report released at the Rio conference, of which 280,000 were recorded in Australia's neighbourhood of Asia and the Pacific. In global terms, Australia is responsible for the merest fraction of new HIV cases — just 757 in the most recent local reporting period of 2024. Those who work in the sector nonetheless believe the country is at a "critical time" and caution against thinking the fight against HIV is "over"."

Read more in this fascinating survey here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-15/hiv-fight-in-australia-not-over-as-new-challenges-emerge/107016504

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