(Community Recognition Statement, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney Electorate I wish to commend the exciting outcomes of the three year EPIC-NSW study into the impact of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on reducing HIV in a large population. 

The recent UNSW Kirby Institute research published in The Lancet shows historically low HIV transmission rates among almost 10,000 high-risk gay and bisexual men using the HIV prevention medication PrEP. This is an exciting development in the longstanding and innovative work to address HIV/AIDS since the beginning of the pandemic, and an important reminder that HIV/AIDS is not over.

I commend the NSW government for funding this research and all those involved in the project. ACON and HIV/AIDS consumer groups helped make sure that there was strong community understanding and engagement. This outcome reinforces the strong partnerships between government, health professions, researchers and affected communities to prevent the spread of HIV.

I hope that this collaboration and strong alliances between government, health professions and affected communities will continue to prevent HIV infection and ensure the best support for those with the virus.