'I live with the scars': Why the fight against HIV is not over
Australia's community-led response to HIV has put an internationally remarkable goal within reach, but new challenges are threatening to disrupt decades of progress.
Stephen Borg, diagnosed with HIV in 2007, recalled the warning he received that an HIV diagnosis could be isolating. Unlike diabetes, HIV has historically been met with stigma, which has led to fear and misunderstanding. As public attention shifts away from global health issues, those living with HIV have continued to fight for a world without the virus.
Australia is close to achieving virtual elimination of HIV transmission, but the fight is far from over. The UN warns that the world is on track for a resurgence of the epidemic, threatening Australia's hard-won progress. Dash Heath-Paynter, CEO of Health Equity Matters, emphasized that Australia's success is built on community involvement, which has been crucial to the country's response to HIV.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
