ACON: Urgent Action is Needed to Continue Success on HIV
Michael Barnett OAM
27-05-2026 - 11:56 AMUrgent Action is Needed to Continue Success on HIV
ACON, NSW’s leading HIV health organisation, has called today on clinicians, community-based services, researchers and governments to take urgent action to reduce HIV transmissions and ensure a high quality of life for people living with HIV.
Speaking at the launch of the NSW HIV Strategy, ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse said: “ACON strongly endorses the new NSW HIV Strategy. This Strategy sets out a comprehensive plan to reduce HIV transmissions and meet the needs of people living with HIV. Now we must work together to ensure it is implemented.”
“Minister Park joins a long line of Health Ministers who have led NSW’s outstanding response to HIV. Bipartisan support for evidence-based HIV responses has made NSW a leading global example,” said Woodhouse. “We are grateful for the strong ongoing support of the NSW Government and work of NSW Health led by Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant.”
Woodhouse highlighted the strategy’s focus on equity as key to achieving its objectives.
“We know that there are some groups who are missing out on access to modern HIV prevention. To achieve the virtual elimination of HIV we need close the equity gap,” said Woodhouse.
“We must ensure that testing, treatment and prevention services are reaching everyone who needs them. People come from across Sydney to services like ACON’s community-based testing service, a[TEST], because it is welcoming and accessible. That is why we can assist so many people that have not testing previously and people who have recently arrived in Australia who are not yet familiar with our health system.
“We need to make it as easy as possible for people to know their HIV status. Knowing your status allows you to take steps to look after your own health and that of your partners.”
Recently released data in shows there were 211 new HIV diagnoses in NSW in 2025 – 11% lower than 2024. Diagnosis have fallen over the last decade due to increased use of PrEP, an easy-to-use drug that protects people at risk and very high numbers of people living with HIV being on treatment. The drugs that mean almost all people living with HIV have an undetectable viral load, also mean people cannot pass on HIV.
The new strategy includes targets to reduce stigma faced by people living with HIV and by priority populations most affected by HIV.
“HIV stigma and discrimination are still alarming common, including in health care. Stigma prevents people having the open and trusting relationship people need with health care professionals,” said Woodhouse. “We commend the targets to reduce stigma and stand ready to work with others to achieve them.”
The NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030 builds on the state’s world-leading HIV response. It focuses on four key areas: preventing transmission through education and access to prevention methods; making testing more accessible; supporting people living with HIV to access treatment and care; and eliminating stigma and discrimination.
Woodhouse added: “The NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030 reflects the NSW Government’s comprehensive and evidence-based approach that the importance of collaboration, alliance and partnership.
“We look forward to continuing to work with government, clinicians, researchers and community, as we strive towards our goal of ending HIV transmission for all.”
To read the NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030, visit NSW Health’s website.
For more information please contact: David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalex...@acon.org.au T: +61 (02) 9206 2044 M: +61 (0)428 477 042