Australia’s first HIV home-testing kit will soon be available.
Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the approval of the kits this morning, a move welcomed by Darryl ODonnell, CEO of the Australian Federation of AIDs Organisations.
“This is the first time we've had an approved HIV self test in Australia.
“It allows people to test confidentially, at home, in the privacy of the their own home.”
The test is a simple finger prick test. Which could then give a reactive result, meaning the user would need to visit their doctor for a further test.
"Today we have incredible effective treatment for HIV, so a person who is diagnosed with HIV early will live a long life with great quality of life. But the key here is getting diagnosed early and then being able to commence treatment. So what's important is people who are at risk talk to their doctor."
It was also announced, treatment Juluca will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme on Saturday, meaning the government covers most of its cost. This means, Australians with HIV will pay a maximum of $39.50 to fill a script for a medication that stops replication of the virus once it becomes subsidised by the federal government, saving them $10,800 each year.
Earlier this year the costs for a preventative HIV drug, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), were also slashed through its listing on the PBS.
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