Men from migrant backgrounds are lagging behind in HIV diagnosis and treatment, highlighting "a big gap" in Australia's HIV prevention program, researchers warn.
A study conducted by Australian medical research body, the Burnet Institute, found migrants from South East Asia, international students and others ineligible for Medicare are less likely to come forward for testing and support.
The global UNAIDS target aims for 90 per cent of all people living with HIV to know their status, 90 per cent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection to receive treatment, and 90 per cent of all people receiving treatment to have viral suppression.
While Australia is on track to reach those targets, the study, released on Wednesday, found migrants were not experiencing the same level of care as non-migrants.
Using 2017 data from the Australian National HIV Registry, researchers found only 67 per cent of migrants were being successfully treated for the virus, compared to 81 per cent of non-migrants.
HIV Migrant study findings Source: Burnet Institute
Among gay and bisexual men, the gap grew to 66 per cent of migrants being successfully treated, compared to 85 per cent of non-migrants.
Dr Tarifeyi Marukutira from the Burnet Institute said there should be a significant decline in new HIV infections.
"We took a closer look ... and what we found confirmed our thinking - migrants had lower rates of testing, diagnosis and treatment, exposing a big gap in the HIV prevention cascade," Dr Marukutira said.
Daryl O’Donnell, CEO of the Australian Federation of Aids Organisations, said we were seeing "a particular vulnerability to HIV" among Australia's new arrivals.
His organisation is concerned that lack of Medicare eligibility prevents people seeking help.
“We have terrifically effective treatment for HIV, but people need to be assured that they can come forward for testing and to access treatment.”
Chinese-Australian Justin Xiao was terrified when he was diagnosed with HIV in 2009.
Justin Xaio was diagnosed as HIV Positive in 2009. Source: Supplied
"I literally thought I would die in a few years,” he said.
“Coming from a culture that's rather conservative and we don't just talk about sexual health that openly, sort of contributed to that lack of knowledge.”
Undertaking an HIV test is still an intimidating prospect for many men, Mr Xiao, now 31, said.
"From a lot of the stories I've heard from my peers, the moment they've had to go for an HIV test is the moment when things get really real."
Combating the stigma
There's still stigma around getting an HIV test, Dr Marukutira said.
“Sometimes the fear is, 'If I'm HIV positive, what's going to happen?', especially if you know you're not on Medicare or you're not so sure about your health insurance."
While HIV is a chronic health condition, it's a manageable one, he said.
"Someone who is on treatment essentially lives a normal life expectancy like any other person. Gone are the days of fearing stigma."
Mr Xiao began treatment for HIV in 2012. Today, the levels of the virus are so low, they aren’t detected in blood tests, which means the virus cannot be passed on.
He’s working with LGBTIQ+ Community Organisation ACON and is encouraging those who are nervous about being tested to come forward.
"I think the first step is always a bit daunting, a bit scary, but once it's done, we all realise how easy and judgment-free that space is."
