The significant effect that HIV prevention drug PrEP is having on NSW’s HIV prevention efforts was highlighted last night at our annual general meeting.
During the AGM at our Sydney offices, we released our annual report and President Dr Justin Koonin and CEO Nicolas Parkhill briefed our members about the implementation and impact of our range of programs and services throughout the 2015/16 financial year.
Dr Koonin said PrEP is helping to change the response to HIV transmission by providing HIV negative people with a new and effective form of protection from the virus. “This year we teamed up with a range of partners to begin a local trial of the drug, a study called EPIC-NSW, through which over 3700 people at high risk of HIV transmission are being given access to PrEP for two years,” Dr Koonin said.
“Modelling suggests that the result will be a reduction in new HIV transmissions in NSW. When we take into account the increasing rates of HIV testing and HIV treatment among gay men that we’ve seen in the last few years, we’re hopeful that the combined result will be significant reduction in HIV transmission in NSW.
“Our work to increase HIV testing is yielding results. Our testing campaigns got significant traction in the community and our a[TEST] HIV testing facilities now deliver the largest number of rapid HIV tests in NSW. We also promoted condom use through a range of initiatives including the res-erection of our giant condom on the Hyde Park Obelisk in Sydney during the Mardi Gras festival.”
Other work profiled in the report included the provision of care and support services for people with HIV; new sexual health programs for young gay men from Arabic and Middle Eastern backgrounds; new programs to address LGBTI related domestic and family violence; new smoking cessation and breast cancer awareness initiatives for lesbians and same sex attracted women; and the launch of a new Pride In Sport initiative to improve LGBTI inclusion in the sporting arena.
Throughout 2015/16, we distributed over 230,000 condom packs, had over 21,000 client interactions, performed over 8000 HIV and STI tests, distributed over 561,000 units of sterile injecting equipment and had over 650,000 website visitors.
Mr Parkhill said ACON’s achievements were due to the hard work of its staff, board, members, volunteers, partners and supporters. “We couldn’t make the difference we make in so many people’s lives without the energy and dedication of all these amazing people and organisations. And of course we thank our clients and community members for caring for each other and working to make our community healthy and strong,” Mr Parkhill said.
ACON’s 2015/16 Annual Report can be viewed on the ACON website: www.acon.org.au/about-acon/annual-reports/
ENDS | *LGBTI = lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex
For more information please contact:
David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications Officer
E: dalexander@acon.org.au T: +61 (02) 9206 2044 M: +61 (0)428 477 042