Greens promise to fund PrEP
Image: Greens Leader Richard Di Natale
AS a part of their election campaign, the Australian Greens have committed millions of dollars to help people access HIV preventative treatment, PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)
The drug Truvada was recently approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to be used as PrEP, but is yet to be included on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) which would significantly reduce the cost of prescriptions. Currently a prescription in Australia costs more than $800.
Federal Greens Leader Richard Di Natale committed $8.7 million to supply PrEP to people at high-risk of HIV who are not currently on clinical trials. The Greens would also commit $25.7 million for high-risk users to continue accessing PrEP after the trials (the trial are currently planned for New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland).
“We have the chance to end HIV transmission in Australia. But until people at high risk get reliable access to affordable PrEP, we will continue to see avoidable HIV transmissions,” Di Natale said.
“Without Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing, many potential users of PrEP will not be able to afford to take the medication.
“We have strongly advocated for the introduction of PrEP into Australia and we will continue to fight for this critical medication to be funded.”
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) is making a decision whether to recommend Truvada to be listed on the PBS in July. Public submissions for consumer comment for PBAC’s review are open until June 8.
