With a new strategy announced today, the NSW Government is aiming to “virtually end” HIV transmission by 2030 through better testing, access to care, and support for those living with HIV.
Launched today, the NSW HIV Strategy 2026–2030 is the next phase of the state’s HIV response, which continues to perform strongly against global targets set by the United Nations. 99 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV in NSW are on treatment, and 99 per cent of those individuals have an undetectable viral load, meaning that HIV cannot be transmitted.
“We have made real progress in NSW in reducing HIV transmission and improving health outcomes,” Minister for Health Ryan Park said in a press release. “However, we are determined to virtually eliminate HIV transmission in NSW and support people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives, stigma free.”
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Increasing testing and early diagnosis
In NSW, HIV diagnoses have stabilised over recent years, with 211 new diagnoses in 2025, and 237 in 2024. The new plan’s goal of virtually ending transmission of HIV by 2030 is not new, with those goalposts set by the Albanese government in 2024, but its adjusted priorities show a dedicated response to continuing on track for that goal. Four key areas are laid out in the new plan (which can be explored in full here). Those areas are:
- Preventing transmission through education and access to prevention methods like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Making it easier for people across NSW to get tested and find out their HIV status sooner
- Supporting people living with HIV to access treatment and appropriate care
- Eliminating stigma and discrimination
The strategy continues to prioritise access to prevention measures like PrEP. / Bowonpat SakaewWhile statistics show that the vast majority of diagnosed individuals are on treatment and preventing transmission, it’s estimated that only 92 per cent of people living with HIV in NSW are aware of their status. The Government’s new plan acknowledges this, highlighting a need to increase testing and early diagnosis to ensure people can be connected to care.
Part of the strategy’s focus on addressing this includes continuing to support a mix of options to make testing easy — including self-testing, community-based rapid testing, telehealth and comprehensive clinic-based testing. It also includes expanding peer-led testing into new locations, including areas with lower concentrations of men who identify as gay, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, with services co-designed with the communities they seek to reach.
Continuing prevention coverage and rapid treatment
According to the press release, NSW’s rates of prevention coverage are high, with over 80 per cent of men who have sex with men with casual partners reporting they use at least one effective HIV prevention method — like PrEP, condoms, or treatment. As of 2025, more than 40,000 NSW residents had been dispensed PrEP since it was made free to eligible individuals with its PBS listing in 2018.
Rapid treatment post-diagnosis is also evident in statistics, with 82 per cent of those diagnosed with HIV starting treatment within four weeks, 90 per cent within six weeks, and 96 per cent within six months.
Community-led organisations remain vital
Building on the Minns Government’s commitment of over $20 million to NSW non-government organisations supporting those living with or affected by HIV in the 2025-2026 Budget, the strategy continues to champion the power of community. It acknowledges the vital role of strong partnerships with community-led organisations, clinicians, local health districts and researchers in delivering effective and culturally appropriate services across the state.
Additionally, the plan’s focus on continuing to reduce stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV aims to reduce deterrence of testing and care. As part of the strategy, NSW Health plans to develop and implement training and literacy resources for healthcare workers, administrative staff and GPs to foster greater understanding, more respectful attitudes, and thus reduce stigma.
Part of the new strategy aims to reduce stigma with better training resources for health professionals. / ArtRepublicEnding HIV transmission by 2030
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says the new strategy continues to build on the state’s successes to achieve the goal of eliminating HIV transmission. “HIV is a global issue, and we have worked hard in NSW to strengthen prevention, expand testing and improve access to timely treatment,” she said in the release.
“The NSW HIV Strategy 2026–2030 builds on our successes and sets a clear direction to help achieve the virtual elimination of HIV transmission by 2030. Improving access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment for priority populations remains central to our strategy, ensuring services are equitable, culturally safe, and reach the communities most affected.”
Park adds that the goal is for all NSW residents to access the care they need. “We are setting the bar high with this strategy, ensuring everyone across NSW, regardless of where they live or where they’re from, can access timely testing and treatment, and receive the support they need,” he said.
