HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system. Without treatment, HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted sexually, by blood-to-blood contact including through injecting drug use, and from mother to child.

  • There were 552 new HIV diagnoses in 2021. This represents a decline of 48% over 10 years.

  • While long term trends suggest HIV is declining in Australia, the decline in HIV notifications in 2021 is likely strongly influence by COVID-19, including changes to sexual behaviour, healthcare access and testing practices, and travel.

  • Among gay and bisexual men, HIV diagnoses have declined by over 52% between 2012 and 2021.

  • The numbers of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals and people born overseas remained steady between 2012 and 2019 but declined between 2019 and 2021.

You can explore the latest HIV data from Australia in the data dashboard below.

These tables are interactive, allowing you to filter and present the data in detail.

  • Choose the category of interest under the 'Stratification' drop down menu. To the right of this menu you can filter the population of interest by selecting the check box.

  • Hover the mouse over the charts and tables to reveal further details.

  • These graphics are best viewed in full screen by clicking the box icon to the bottom-right of the tables.

  • For the notifications data, select the range of dates using the 'Year of notification' slider

  • You can export a PDF version of the selected view by selecting 'Download PDF'

     

Please note that the notification rates presented below are age standardised.

Source of data: State and territory health authorities.

Latest data

 

Source: State and territory health authorities.

Many thanks to the jurisdictional HIV surveillance officers for their help with the collation of these data.