07 July 2023
International migrants in and around Australia are at greater risk of HIV infection due to reduced access to more effective prevention, found the world’s first global review led by Monash University.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREPARATION) is up to 99 percent effective in preventing HIV. Antiretroviral pills are available by prescription and are taken to prevent HIV infection.
Published in Lancet Public HealthThe study identified barriers faced by migrant populations in Australia and around the world in accessing PrEP.
Many barriers include lack of awareness, perceived low risk for HIV, and service issues such as cost and provider discrimination. They face stigma around the health care system and HIV, gay and bisexual identities, and uncertainty about taking PrEP.
Senior author and physician of the Melbourne Center for Sexual Health, Monash University Central Medical School Associate Professor Jason OngCompared with people born in Australia, HIV A large number of migrants lag behind in response.
This study identified the need for a culturally adapted approach to PrEP access, and to address discriminatory policies related to migration and HIV, including those that make it difficult for people living with HIV to obtain permanent housing.
“Navigating the landscape of HIV prevention is like navigating a maze, with obstacles blocking the way at every turn,” said Associate Professor Ong. “Culturally shaped approaches act as guiding lights, illuminating the way forward.
“To increase health disparities, we recommend strategies at the community, service, and individual levels that address barriers to PrEP use among those most likely to benefit.”
Associate Professor Ong said PrEP was a “game changer” in preventing HIV.
“Getting this into the hands of the right people is a significant hurdle in our fight against HIV,” he said. “Our study shows that if we can direct resources to the right people, it is possible to increase health inequalities in our society.”
Profesor Darryl O’Donnell, CEO Health Equity Matters, setuju.
“We know PrEP is very effective in preventing HIV. Australia has made PrEP available to its own citizens at low cost. We have a national target to eliminate HIV transmission,” said Professor O’Donnell. “We will only achieve this if PrEP is made available to everyone who can benefit, including those who migrate to Australia.”
Alfred Health, Monash University, Australia, UNAIDS, WHO, UNSW Sydney and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine were involved in the research.
About Monash University
Monash University is Australia’s largest university with over 80,000 students. In the 60 years since its founding, it has built a reputation for world-leading high-impact research, quality teaching, and inspiring innovation.
With four campuses in Australia and a presence in Malaysia, China, India, India and Italy, it is one of Australia’s most international universities.
A leading international medical research university with Australia’s largest medical faculty and integration with leading Australian teaching hospitals, we are consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world for clinical, pre-clinical and health sciences.
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2023-07-07 04:04:00
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