The NSW Government has launched a new five year HIV strategy aimed at virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2030, with a renewed push to expand testing, improve access to treatment and reduce stigma.
The NSW HIV Strategy 2026–2030 builds on gains made over the past decade, during which the state has become one of the strongest performers globally on HIV treatment targets. According to NSW Health, 99 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV in the state are receiving treatment, while 99 per cent of those on treatment have an undetectable viral load, meaning the virus cannot be sexually transmitted.
Despite those results, health authorities say gaps remain. An estimated 92 per cent of people living with HIV in NSW know their status, leaving a portion of the community undiagnosed and potentially disconnected from care.
The strategy places particular emphasis on increasing early diagnosis through easier and broader access to testing. It also focuses on prevention measures such as condoms and pre exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, alongside support services for people living with HIV.
NSW recorded 211 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, down from 237 in 2024, with figures largely stabilising in recent years after earlier declines.
Health Minister Ryan Park said the government wanted to maintain momentum while improving equity in access to services.
“We have made real progress in NSW in reducing HIV transmission and improving health outcomes,” he said.
“However, we are determined to virtually eliminate HIV transmission in NSW and support people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives, stigma free.”
The strategy comes with more than $20 million in state funding for non government organisations supporting people living with or affected by HIV, announced in the 2025-26 Budget.
Community organisations have welcomed the plan while warning that some groups still face barriers to prevention and care.
ACON chief executive Michael Woodhouse said the state had achieved strong results through cooperation between government, health services and community groups, though further work was needed to ensure access was consistent across all communities.
“We know that there are some groups who are missing out on access to modern HIV prevention methods,” he said.
“To achieve the virtual elimination of HIV transmission by 2030, we need to close the equity gap.”
The latest figures suggest prevention programs continue to have broad reach. NSW Health says more than 80 per cent of men who have sex with men with casual partners report using at least one effective HIV prevention method, including PrEP, condoms or treatment as prevention.
More than 40,000 NSW residents have accessed PrEP since it was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2018. NSW Health says this has contributed to a 24 per cent reduction in HIV notifications.
Treatment uptake after diagnosis has also improved. In 2025, 82 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV began treatment within four weeks, while 96 per cent started within six months.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said maintaining progress would depend on ensuring services reached communities most affected by HIV.
“Improving access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment for priority populations remains central to our strategy, ensuring services are equitable, culturally safe, and reach the communities most affected,” she said.
Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said the LGBTQ community had played a central role in reducing transmission rates through widespread uptake of prevention methods including PrEP and PEP.
While NSW is among the leading jurisdictions internationally in HIV prevention and treatment outcomes, public health experts have previously cautioned that eliminating transmission will depend on sustained funding, continued community engagement and reaching people who may not regularly access healthcare services.
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