HIV treatment

It is recommended that HIV treatment starts as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Although there is no cure for, or vaccine against, HIV infection, significant advances in HIV treatment have been made over the years that can slow or even stop the disease progression that would otherwise have led to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

This means HIV is no longer a terminal illness and is now considered a manageable health condition.

Multiple treatment options are available for people living with HIV. Treatments vary from person to person depending on disease progression, drug resistance and other health conditions. For most people, treatment is as simple as taking a single pill every day with little to no side effects experienced.

People on treatment for HIV need to have their viral load and CD4+ cell levels measured regularly to check the effectiveness of the treatment on their infection. A sexual health physician, infectious diseases specialist, GP or nurse practitioner with expertise in HIV medicine should undertake these assessments.

Controlling HIV through treatment helps the body’s immune system to function properly again and can prevent the onward transmission of HIV.

U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable)

Research has demonstrated that if a person living with HIV is taking treatment as prescribed and has achieved an undetectable viral load, they eliminate the risk of transmitting HIV to their sexual partners entirely.

This is known as ‘treatment as prevention’ or U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable). An undetectable viral load also significantly reduces the risk of transmission of HIV via injecting and breastfeeding.

For further information about U=U:

Accessing treatment for HIV

Once diagnosed, if you are not already seeing a sexual health physician, infectious diseases specialist or another health professional with expertise in HIV medicine, you will be referred to one.

HIV treatment medications can only be prescribed by health professionals who are authorised to prescribe the medicines, they are known as HIV s100 prescribers.

Prescriptions for HIV treatment can be filled at any pharmacy in Australia; however the cost will be dependent on your eligibility for Medicare and/or a concession.

HIV treatment costs

From 1 July 2026, people living with HIV will be able to access free HIV antiretroviral treatment (ART) medications via South Australian public hospital pharmacies with a public hospital issued prescription.

Arrangements are unchanged for:

  • People living with HIV who are not eligible for Medicare, who can still access free HIV-related medical care, pathology testing and HIV ART medications through South Australian public hospitals.
  • People living with HIV who are eligible for Medicare and accessing care in community settings. This continues to be subsidised through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and subject to relevant copayments.

This new initiative will be reviewed during the first year of implementation to ensure that it is meeting the needs of community members and other key stakeholders.

For more information, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Branch or discuss with your treating clinician.

Community support services

There are a range of support services available in the community for people living with HIV, these include:

  • Silverchain, HIV Enhanced Primary Care Coordination Program
    Free comprehensive nursing services, including case management to people living with HIV in South Australia.
  • SAMESH (South Australia Mobilisation + Empowerment for Sexual Health)
    Provides free education and support services to people living with or at risk of HIV, including peer navigation for those newly diagnosed with HIV.
  • Relationships Australia SA, MOSAIC Blood Borne Viruses Support Services
    Free and confidential support to anyone in South Australia who has been diagnosed with, or is at risk of, HIV and/or viral hepatitis.
  • Relationships Australia SA, PEACE Multicultural Services: HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STI Program
    Provides free support services, counselling, information sessions, and resources to all people from multicultural backgrounds, no matter what their visa status is, affected by or at risk of HIV, hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C, or by STI.
  • Positive Life SA
    Offers support, referrals and activities that add value to the health and wellbeing of all people living with HIV in South Australia.
  • Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, HIV services
    Offers a range of support services including case management, financial counselling, alcohol and drug support, and health and wellbeing programs.