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- Title
Funding antiretroviral treatment for HIV-positive temporary residents in Australia prevents transmission and is inexpensive.
- Authors
Gray, Richard T.; Watson, Jo; Cogle, Aaron J.; Smith, Don E.; Hoy, Jennifer F.; Bastian, Lisa A.; Finlayson, Robert; Drummond, Fraser M.; Whittaker, Bill; Law, Matthew G.; Petoumenos, Kathy
- Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to estimate the reduction in new HIV infections and resultant cost outcomes of providing antiretroviral treatment (ART) through Australia's 'universal access' health scheme to all temporary residents with HIV infection living legally in Australia, but currently deemed ineligible to access subsidised ART via this scheme.<bold>Methods: </bold>A mathematical model to estimate the number of new HIV infections averted and the associated lifetime costs over 5 years if all HIV-positive temporary residents in Australia had access to ART and subsidised medical care was developed. Input data came from a cohort of 180 HIV-positive temporary residents living in Australia who are receiving free ART donated by pharmaceutical companies for up to 4 years.<bold>Results: </bold>Expanding ART access to an estimated total 450 HIV+ temporary residents in Australia for 5 years could avert 80 new infections. The model estimated the total median discounted (5%) cost for ART and associated care to be A$36million, while the total savings in lifetime-discounted costs for the new infections averted was A$22million.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>It is estimated that expanded access to ART for all HIV-positive temporary residents in Australia will substantially reduce HIV transmission to their sexual partners at little additional cost. In the context of Australia's National HIV strategy and Australia's endorsement of global goals to provide universal access to ART for all people with HIV, this is an important measure to remove inequities in the provision of HIV-related treatment and care.
- Subjects
AUSTRALIA; HIGHLY active antiretroviral therapy; THERAPEUTICS; HIV prevention; PREVENTION of sexually transmitted diseases; DRUG accessibility; MEDICAL care; FINANCE
- Publication
Sexual Health (14485028), 2018, Vol 15, Issue 1, p13
- ISSN
1448-5028
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1071/SH16237