HIV/AIDS Australia Media

Australia's approach of national response to HIV / AIDS has been seen as one of the best in the world. Since the adoption of the first National HIV / AIDS in 1989, through the strategy of the third National HIV / AIDS in 1999, Australia has recognized the need for a coordinated action to combat HIV. This strategy is based on the experience and knowledge that has been developed in Australia for almost two decades to combat the virus. This strategy also builds an important foundation which is established under previous HIV / AIDS strategies and with the collaboration among the affected communities, governments at all levels, and the doctors, scientists and health care professionals.

There have been major changes in the nature of the HIV / AIDS during the end of the third strategy. Much of this change has occurred as a result of the availability of new anti-retroviral treatment for HIV. Nevertheless, the use and the injection of illegal drugs continues to grow in Australia, and that represents the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C. It is important that the National HIV / AIDS works well with the strategy of the government from the National Illicit Drug Strategy, in order to avoid isolation. This strategy recognizes the importance of establishing and maintaining operational links with other national strategies in the health of the population, such as the national policy on drugs, and the national responses to other blood-borne viruses as hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infections. Significant opportunities exist for the coordinated efforts of many of the population health areas, including education, prevention and research. By placing this strategy within a broader framework of communicable diseases, we have an opportunity to ensure that the outcome in overall health will be greater.

The HIV/AIDS Media Guide

The Media Guide to Terminology is a section of the HIV/AIDS Media Guide. The first part of the guide deals with the challenges faced by governments and affected communities in their response to HIV/AIDS. Other sections cover the history of the virus, transmission, treatments and a chronological account of HIV/AIDS in Australia.

Investing in health helps to lay the ground work for skilled and productive populations, and ensures that the poor people can expand their range of choices. Within Australia's immediate region there are a number of areas such as women's and children's health, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, malaria and the quality of health education - in which progress is either slow or negative and the need for action is compelling. Australia is strengthening national health systems and taking major diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria and potential pandemics. Australia helps countries to develop better quality, effective costs and community focused on health systems that are sustainable and that lead to better health outcomes in the long term.Australia's aid program focuses on simple, cost-effective methods of prevention and treatment. We concentrate on helping those people, particularly women and children. Australia plays a leadership role in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Asia Pacific region and, through its Global HIV/AIDS initiative, has committed a total of $600 million from 2000 to 2010 to combat the HIV pandemic. Australia also works with the World Trade Organization and the World Health Organization to improve the accessibility and affordability of essential HIV/AIDS drugs.