No One Left Behind – Support Queensland Multicultural Communities in the Fight Against HIV
The 1st of December marks World AIDS Day, and this year’s theme for Australia is “No One Left Behind”, which reminds us of the importance of equality in HIV prevention, testing, and care — for everyone in our diverse communities.
HIV is a virus that can cause AIDS. Since it was first identified in 1981, it has affected more than 40 million people worldwide. Thanks to advances in medicine and prevention, both new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths have declined globally (UNAIDS).
Australia has also made great progress — but not all communities have benefited equally. Recent data (HIV in Queensland 2024 Annual Report) shows that people born overseas are over-represented in new HIV diagnoses in Queensland, despite making up only around 24% of the population.
Language barriers, stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to health services are some of the reasons overseas-born people are less likely to know about HIV prevention and testing options.
The good news is that with early testing and effective treatment, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives — just like anyone else. No one should feel afraid or ashamed to get tested or seek care.
Here are some key facts everyone should know:
1. HIV can be treated and managed like other chronic health conditions.
2. HIV is transmitted through blood and sexual contact. However, people with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex (U=U — Undetectable = Untransmittable).
3. HIV prevention menthods include condoms, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Learn more at endinghiv.org.au/stay-safe/prep.
4. Early testing saves lives. You can get tested at your doctor, a Rapid clinic (www.rapid.org.au ), or by using a free HIV self-testing kit available at www.hivtest.au. Self-test kits can also be purchased from www.atom.com.au or selected pharmacies.
5. People without a Medicare card, such as temporary visa holders, can get free HIV treatment and care at public sexual health clinics or hospitals. Find out more at HIV treatment and care for people not eligible for Medicare | Queensland Health
To make HIV information more accessible, ECCQ’s Love Health team provide free translated resources in multiple languages and free education sessions for community groups. You can also order free condoms at https://eccq.com.au/condom-request-form/.
This World AIDS Day, let’s work together to make sure no one in Queensland’s multicultural communities is left behind. Everyone deserves access to knowledge, testing, and care — regardless of where they come from or what language they speak.
You can find more information including translated resources on hepatitis, HIV, and STIs at www.eccq.com.au/bbv.
If you are in Cairns, you can contact the team at Cairns Sexual Health Services by calling (07) 4226 4769 or emailing [email protected].
