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Reducing late HIV diagnoses and supporting linkage to care

Reducing late HIV diagnoses and supporting linkage to care

To mark HIV Testing Week, Dr Rachael Thomas, Staff Specialist, South Western Sydney LHD, joined Clare Berrie, Senior Social Worker and Coordinator of the Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS) Clinical Concierge Program, in a new interview highlighting the importance of culturally safe HIV testing and care. 

Late HIV diagnosis is still a real concern in NSW, particularly in Greater Western Sydney where we are seeing a third of new cases. 

Dr. Thomas emphasises: “HIV is a manageable condition with safe and effective anti-retroviral medication. The earlier you are tested for the condition, the sooner you know your HIV status, which improves your long-term health outcomes by starting medication as soon as possible if you test positive.   

However, stigma and access are still the key barriers to testing and care, particularly for people born overseas. Many worry that testing or treatment might be expensive or not available to them. However, HIV testing is free for everyone, no matter your Medicare of visa status. There are lots of testing options, you can: 

Treatment is also free, and data shows starting treatment early makes a big difference. Dr Thomas adds, “We now know from the research and the data that actually starting people on antiretroviral therapy as soon as they're diagnosed leads to better outcomes long term”. 

If someone tests positive, it’s important they feel supported and understood, and have access to culturally appropriate care. The NSW Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service offers a free and confidential Clinical Concierge Program that connects people recently diagnosed with HIV from a CALD background with bilingual Cultural Support Workers. These trained staff help clients navigate the health system, improve treatment literacy, and access culturally appropriate care and support services. 

Clients can easily be referred to the HIV Clinical Concierge Program using the e-referral form or contact the Program Coordinator on 0436 850 905 to discuss if the program is right for your client. For more information about the program, view the Service Provider flyer. 

Listen to the full interview here: https://vimeo.com/1090310579/be63fb530a?ts=0&share=copy