Australia achieves AIDS targets, faces ongoing challenges
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Australia joined the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Kenya and Nepal in reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for HIV/AIDS, four years ahead of schedule.
These goals require 95% of people with HIV to know their status, receive treatment, and achieve undetectable viral loads. In 2025, Australia recorded 753 new HIV infections, a 25% decrease since 2016. While Australia’s progress is notable, experts caution against complacency.
Gains are not evenly distributed, with higher rates of infection among men who have sex with men, particularly those born in South-East Asia, and a recent increase in cases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Health workers in Indigenous communities are vital to addressing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, but face challenges due to short-term funding. Australia offers widespread access to HIV prevention methods like PrEP and treatment, even for those without Medicare coverage.
The success of the country’s approach is attributed to long-standing partnerships between health organisations and affected communities, as well as consistent political support. Organizations are now planning for the needs of an aging population living with HIV, a demographic previously decimated by the disease.
