Queensland scales up PrEP trial

Queensland has joined Victoria and New South Wales in having a large-scale PrEP trial

Queensland has joined Victoria and New South Wales in having a large-scale PrEP trial.

Up to 2,000 at-risk Queenslanders will gain access to HIV prevention medication under the expanded program, which will run at a cost of $6 million for four years.

The QPrEPd Demonstration Project built on the original trial of 50 people, which began in September last year.

In launching the trial, Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick said: “We know PrEP can play a huge role in preventing the spread of HIV.”

Mr Dick said the Queensland government was aiming for the virtual elimination of new HIV transmissions by 2020.

PrEP is taken daily as a tablet by HIV negative people to prevent infection. It has been shown to be more than 90% effective in blocking HIV transmission.

Some sites in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane began enrolling participants earlier this month

Twenty sites have been registered already, including sexual health services, GP clinics and hospitals.

The trial will assess side effects and adherence to PrEP, as well as gauging the suitability of this model for PrEP provision.

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations commended the program but said PrEP should also be made accessible through the PBS.

“Until PrEP is listed on the PBS, access in Australia will remain inequitable, and many people who need it will miss out,” the deputy CEO of AFAO, Heath Paynter, said.