“The experience of living with HIV in Australia has changed dramatically since the advent of more effective treatment, and Changes and Challenges provides a strategic framework for accommodating those changes,” said Peter Canavan, president of the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS.
Poverty, treatment side effects, co-infection with hepatitis C and significant rates of clinical and sub-clinical depression and other mental health problems are serious problems experienced by people with HIV according to the most recent Australian social research.
“Changes and Challenges emphasises the importance of partnership approaches which are particularly important as treating HIV becomes more complex and interdisciplinary,” said Canavan.
Research has shown a greater gulf between people with HIV enjoying relatively good health and those living with chronic ill health who are increasingly dependent upon HIV/AIDS service organisations, Canavan explained.
“It is therefore important that Changes and Challenges can provide direction that covers the spectrum of health that is living with HIV in the era of combination therapy,” said Canavan.
“This strategy also indicates a greater role for Australia in the regional epidemic, and recognises that a key part of the relative success of the Australian model has been the involvement of positive people,” said Canavan.
For further comment:
Peter Canavan,
NAPWA President,
0412 274 208.