CommunityDriven HIV Response Touted as Key as New Zealand Aims for Elimination by 2030
New Zealand’s community-led approach to HIV prevention and treatment was celebrated at a recent World AIDS Day event, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to eliminating local transmission by 2030.
Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey reassured attendees at the inaugural World AIDS Day Parliamentary Breakfast on December 3 that funding for the HIV Action Plan would remain intact amidst other health system cuts.
“Our work is always people-centred and community-focused first, but having the evidence that access to prevention and treatment also helps our economy and health resources aids us in demonstrating the value of our mission,” says Burnett Foundation Aotearoa Chief Executive Joe Rich.
Rich expressed his excitement about the government’s continued support for the community-led response, highlighting its importance for achieving the ambitious 2030 goal. A new report underscores the success of this approach, demonstrating a significant return on investment.
Investing in Community Makes Economic Sense
The report reveals a strong economic rationale for investing in a community-driven HIV response. For every $1 invested in Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, $5.05 is saved for the New Zealand public in downstream costs for diagnoses avoided.
Furthermore, the report shows that locally acquired HIV cases per capita have plummeted by 56% since the epidemic peaked in 2016, while testing rates have surged by 51% over the same period. This translates into an estimated $175 million saved in lifetime costs to New Zealand over eight years, compared to if acquisition rates had remained at 2016 levels.
“This new report shows that success comes from having communities lead, as well as having targeted responses for those communities that are most marginalized, including takatāpui,” says Rich.
Continuing the Fight Alongside Māori
Rich emphasized the need to maintain a strong focus on a community-led response, particularly for Māori. He expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing support over the past 40 years of the HIV response, recognizing the widespread benefit for all of New Zealand.
The commitment to a community-centered approach aligns with international efforts to end the HIV epidemic. World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, serves as a reminder of the ongoing global fight against HIV/AIDS and the need for continued investment in prevention, treatment, and care.
How can this interview be adapted to include diverse voices and perspectives within the HIV/AIDS community?
Let’s craft an interview segment based on this news snippet.
## Interview: New Zealand’s Bold HIV Elimination Goal by 2030
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Yesterday was World AIDS Day, a day to reflect on the global fight against HIV and to celebrate progress made. Here in New Zealand, there was a particularly optimistic tone at the inaugural World AIDS Day Parliamentary Breakfast, where leaders reaffirmed their ambitious goal of eliminating local HIV transmission by 2030. Joining us now to discuss this is Alex Reed, [Alex Reed Title] with the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s talk about this goal of elimination. It’s certainly ambitious. What makes New Zealand confident they can achieve it?
**Alex Reed:** New Zealand is taking a unique approach, placing community-led initiatives at the forefront of its HIV response. This means working closely with affected communities, understanding their specific needs, and empowering them to be involved in developing and implementing prevention and treatment strategies. [[1](https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/clinical-guidance/diseases-and-conditions/hiv-and-aids)]
**Host:** That’s a departure from some traditional public health approaches, isn’t it?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The focus on community engagement is key. It allows for culturally sensitive and targeted interventions that are more likely to be effective.
**Host:** And what role is the government playing in all of this? We heard Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey pledge continued funding for the HIV Action Plan despite budget constraints.
**Alex Reed:** That’s right. The government’s commitment to sustained funding is absolutely crucial. It demonstrates a long-term investment in the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. We’re grateful for that continued support. [[1](https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/clinical-guidance/diseases-and-conditions/hiv-and-aids)]
**Host:** What are some of the biggest challenges ahead in reaching this goal?
**Alex Reed:**
There will always be challenges. We need to address stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV, ensure equitable access to testing and treatment, particularly for marginalized communities, and continue to invest in research and innovation.
**Host:** Well, it sounds like an uphill battle, but a fight worth fighting. Thank you for your insight Alex Reed. We’ll be following this progress closely.
**(Outro Music)**
