Guild backs campaign to end HIV transmission

On World Aids Day, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia is urging all governments to do what they can to end the transmission of HIV by 2030.

Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey says barriers must be reduced on accessing and paying for medicines which will lead to the elimination of HIV.

“Today’s report by Health Equity Matters marks a watershed moment in our battle to eliminate HIV from our communities once and for all,” Professor Twomey said.

“We believe Australia can be the first country in the world to eliminate HIV transmission.

“To do this we need to ensure that medicines are more affordable and accessible.

“We back the call for all HIV patients across the country to have treatment medicines provided free of charge as they do in New South Wales and Queensland.

“The prevention pill PrEP should also be made available without a prescription and be free of charge if we are serious about our mission to eliminate HIV.

“Pharmacists want to do our part on this journey to eliminating HIV by reducing the barriers for patients,” said Professor Twomey.

He says all governments should not lose sight of what’s at stake.

“Just imagine, Australia could be on the path to be the first country to eliminate the transmission of HIV.

“What an amazing achievement that would be.”

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