As of today, people living with HIV can now more easily access free HIV antiretroviral treatment (ART) medications in South Australia.
Originally announced in May, the new initiative means that those with HIV can access ART medications for free via public hospital pharmacies with a public hospital issued prescription from today, 1 July.
Taking ART medication means a person living with HIV can reduce their viral load to an undetectable level, which prevents disease progression and eliminates the risk of transmission of the virus. Fittingly, the introduction of the new program in South Australia coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the global undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) campaign.
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The initiative was adopted to align South Australia with other states while also supporting the implementation of the National HIV Strategy 2024-2030 and the South Australian HIV Strategy 2025-2030 — both of which set the landmark goal of ending HIV transmission in Australia by 2030.
Those strategies have identified that one of the remaining barriers to ending HIV transmission is the financial side of treatment and prevention.
In addition to the new financial accessibility, pre-existing eligibility arrangements for accessing HIV treatments will continue. People living with HIV who aren’t eligible for Medicare can still access free HIV-related medical care, pathology testing and HIV ART medications through South Australian public hospitals. Those who are eligible for Medicare and are accessing HIV care in community settings will continue to have that care subsidised, and are still subject to relevant copayments.
The implementation of the new initiative comes nearly one month after the 45-year anniversary of the first official reporting of HIV in 1981.
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On Instagram, South Australia Health acknowledged the change by sharing the story of Kath, who has lived with HIV for 39 years, and who says that she “wouldn’t be standing here now” without treatment.
She says that she’s grateful for the life-changing benefits treatment has offered.
“When I was first diagnosed in 1987, I didn’t expect to see my children grow up. I remember when I would pick my children up and hug them, I used to hold my breath. I just felt like I was this walking virus — but treatment has changed that,” she says.
“Now, my children are adults, and I have 3 beautiful grandchildren. They bring me so much joy.”
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