HIV Services

In reply to Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (25 September 2018). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing): I have been advised:

1. The potential for funding reductions were communicated to all sexually transmissible infection and blood borne virus service providers, including Centacare, during the 2017/18 financial year. The Department for Health and Wellbeing has made a commitment to support Centacare and other relevant service providers to ensure people living with HIV currently accessing the Individualised Support Program for People with HIV are transitioned to appropriate, integrated specialist and mainstream care and support services in the community, and that the current and future service needs of all South Australians living with HIV continue to be met.

2. There was a small increase in HIV notifications in South Australia in 2017 relative to the previous three years. In 2017, the total number of HIV notifications was 60, this compares to 53 in 2016, 57 in 2015 and 54 in 2014. In 2013, the total number of HIV notifications was 69. Broader trends indicate relatively stable HIV incidence in South Australia. Conversely, year to date in 2018 there has been a significant reduction in new HIV infections in South Australia.