In the early years of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, the atmosphere was shaped by fear, stigma and profound loss. The virus was barely understood, treatment options were scarce, and people who acquired HIV, particularly gay and bisexual men, were often met with hostility, rejection and isolation. The toll on LGBTQ+ communities in Australia was immense. Lives were cut short, families and friendships were torn apart, and entire communities were forced into grief, advocacy and survival. 

Today, the story looks very different. In New South Wales and across Australia, we have made extraordinary progress. That progress has come through decades of work by health professionals, researchers, policymakers and, most importantly, community organisations like ACON. 

HIV is no longer considered a fatal diagnosis. People living with HIV who take daily antiretroviral medication can expect to live long and healthy lives. These treatments also suppress the virus in the body to undetectable levels, and as of 2024, 99% of people living with HIV in NSW are on effective treatment.

When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be passed on to sexual partners. This is known as ‘U equals U’, which is short for ‘Undetectable equals Untransmittable’. It has transformed public understanding of HIV and helped dismantle some of the fear and misinformation that persisted for decades.

In NSW, the number of new HIV diagnoses has been steadily declining. This success is the result of a combination of proven strategies, including increased HIV testing, early access to treatment, condom use, and PrEP, a daily pill that prevents HIV transmission. 

Since its founding in 1985, ACON has been central to this progress. Born out of the community response to AIDS, ACON has spent four decades leading health promotion campaigns, delivering peer education, supporting people living with HIV, and advocating for evidence-based policy. Throughout its history, ACON has been guided by the belief that the communities most affected must also be the ones shaping the response. 

But this progress has not reached everyone equally. Some groups continue to face significant barriers to HIV prevention, testing and care. These include overseas-born gay and bisexual men, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those diagnosed late. Stigma and fear continue to perpetuate harmful barriers that need to be broken down, particularly in healthcare settings and public conversation. 

The goal of ending HIV transmission in NSW is within reach. But getting there will require renewed commitment, investment and solidarity. It will take science, leadership, compassion, and all of us working together. 

To learn more or access support, visit acon.org.au or endinghiv.org.au.