HIV GAMECHANGER BACK ON AGENDA

Confirmation that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee will reconsider whether pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should receive Government subsidy through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is extremely welcome news.

 

Without a doubt, PrEP is a game-changer and expanding access will be integral in reaching the goal of no new HIV infections, with trials of PrEP showing it is highly effective at stopping the transmission of HIV.

 

Unfortunately, access to PrEP remains a lottery of location – while some states are running trials, not all at-risk Australians have access.

 

That’s why Labor has been urging the Turnbull Government to do more to improve access to PrEP.

 

In March, Labor wrote to the Prime Minister asking him to negotiate a way forward and offering our bipartisan support on a range of measures to ensure those at risk of contracting HIV have access to the protection this drug affords.

 

Labor knows the incredible potential of prophylactic treatments – that’s why we amended our national platform in 2015 to acknowledge the importance of renewing efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.

 

Regardless of the PBAC decision, PrEP must be on the Federal Government’s agenda. The Turnbull Government needs to get on with the job of making PrEP available to all Australians who need it.  If there is a positive PBAC outcome this month, the Government needs to list PrEP on the PBS immediately.

We must use every mechanism available if we are to reach the once unimaginable goal of no new HIV infections.