Australian Federation of HIV Organisations in partnership with other key HIV agencies in Australia are urging people living with HIV to remain calm amid reports of HIV medication running out in the face of #COVID-19.
The reassurance came as AFAO teamed up with Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM), and National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) to issue a factsheet Making Sense of COVID19 – LGBTIQ and HIV Communities.
Available on AFAO website, the factsheet urges people to keep taking HIV medication as prescribed and provides the basics about COVID-19 including what it is, how it spreads, how to prevent infection, and who within the LGBTQI community is most vulnerable and susceptible to infection.
President of NAPWHA, Scott Harlum, is aware that people with HIV may be feeling anxious, especially with regard to supply of anti-retroviral medication.
“NAPWHA can also reassure people with HIV that our anti-retroviral medications are safe. NAPWHA is maintaining regular contact with suppliers who assure us there is sufficient supply available and already in the country to meet demand.
“We know that providing timely and accurate information for people with HIV is key to minimising anxiety in the community. We have published information based on the best advice currently available to us, and will continue to provide updates on COVID-19 for people with HIV as the science develops and we know more.
To read the factsheet go to www.afao.org.au/our-work/coronavirus-covid-19/
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