On Monday, the Australian Federation of Aids Organisations (AFAO) announced that it was now possible to “virtually eliminate HIV infections in Australia”, and that due to the effectiveness of medications, very few Australians with access to HIV therapies progress to AIDS.

“Australia’s progress against AIDS is tremendous. We will never again in our communities have the horror of so many loved ones dying,” AFAO Chief Executive Officer Darryl O’Donnell said.

“We don’t have to worry that HIV will inevitably lead to illness and death.”

Although HNE Director of Sexual Health Nathan Ryder welcomed the news, he felt there was a risk that the message might be misinterpreted by some.

“While AIDS is not a public health concern now, it is still a health issue for individuals,” he said.

“HIV is still live and well unfortunately, and people continue to contract HIV in New South Wales.” He said that while numbers were low, untreated HIV could still transform into AIDS, and that HNE continues to see patients with the late symptoms, including AIDS.

“People in rural and regional areas are more likely to be diagnosed late,” Nathan said. He said with more diagnoses in general in the country, HNE work with local general practitioners and health services to provide training and support for HIV testing.

“In the Hunter New England Health region, over 50% cases of HIV are diagnosed by general practitioners,” he said.

“The best way to prevent HIV hasn't changed, and that‘s by always using a condom with any new partners and seeing a doctor or getting a test if you think you may have put yourself at risk.”