This article was published in 2017. To maintain an accurate record of our history, we have kept references to previous organisation names and terms such as New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Ending HIV and Love Your Condom.
As of 1 July this year, there is no delay for anyone diagnosed with HIV who wishes to access HIV medicines, regardless of their CD4 count.
In a significant milestone for HIV prevention and care in New Zealand, PHARMAC has confirmed its decision to remove the CD4 threshold.
New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) has strongly advocated for the removal of the threshold in recent years. On the back of conclusive evidence that immediate treatment is the best thing for the long-term health of people living with HIV and also has a significant role to play in HIV prevention, NZAF mobilised the community and submitted a petition to PHARMAC with 5709 signatures.
The entire HIV sector should celebrate our wonderful collaborative effort. NZAF is looking forward to hosting celebrations in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.