Queensland Health has recently released the “HIV in Queensland 2023” report. The report shows that:
- At the start of 2023, an estimated 6,050 people were living with HIV in Queensland.
- In 2023, there were 158 new HIV diagnosis reported in Queensland; Of these, 87% (137) were male, 13% (21) were female. The majority (75%) were aged 20 to 49 years.
- 31% of the new diagnoses were classified as late or advanced HIV cases, indicating significant immune system damage at the time of diagnosis.
- Metro South Hospital and Health Service reported the highest number of new HIV diagnoses with 50 cases, followed by Metro North with 37 cases and Gold Coast with 26 cases.
- 45% of new diagnoses were among people born overseas including 10.2% were born in South-East Asia, 5.0% in NZ, 5.0% in the Americas, 4.7% in North-West Europe, 4.7% in Papua New Guinea, and 2.8% in Sub-Saharan Africa.
For the full report please access here: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/1363069/hiv-in-qld-2023.pdf
If you would like to learn more about HIV, please contact our program at health@eccq.com.au. We offer free HIV education for both groups and individuals in English and other languages. HIV information in various languages is available at www.eccq.com.au/bbv.
Our program also provides free education and information on hepatitis B. Starting from 1 July 2024, hepatitis B is included in health examinations for permanent and provisional visas applicants who are 15 or older and were born in a country with a higher risk of hepatitis B country. Other visa applicants that require a hepatitis B testing include:
- Pregnant women
- Adopted children born in a country with a higher risk of hepatitis B
- Individuals applying for temporary humanitarian, resolution of status, or protection visas
- Those intending to work as (or to study to become) a doctor, nurse, dentist, or paramedic in Australia.
For more information about health requirements for visa applicants, please visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
