This report provides an analysis of available data, from national HIV notifications, along with Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) testing and incidence data in Australia. This report also includes estimates of incidence and prevalence of BBVs and STIs, by demographic and risk groups, patterns of treatment and behavioural risk factors for HIV, hepatitis C infection and STIs.
The Kirby Institute produces annual surveillance reports focusing on BBVs and STIs, however culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations are not covered explicitly in these reports. This enhanced report is the first to specifically endeavour to report on BBVs and STIs among people from CALD backgrounds in Australia.
The first objective of this report is to review and critique the available relevant health datasets in Australia, examine the variables used to define people as being from CALD backgrounds, and determine the limitations and challenges associated with the analysis and interpretation of the available data. Subsequently, the report also aims to analyse trends in HIV notifications, STI and BBV testing patterns among at‑risk groups, and incidence and prevalence of BBVs and STIs among people from CALD backgrounds in Australia.
Key findings
- In 2022, there were 555 HIV notifications with a first ever diagnosis in Australia in 2022, of which 267 (48%) notifications were among people born overseas and 274 (49%) among people born in Australia.
- Out of all new HIV diagnoses in Australia, 45% were in people from CALD backgrounds.
- In 2022, 56% of HIV notifications among people from CALD backgrounds were attributed to people
who reported male‑to‑male sex or male‑to‑male sex and injection drug use.
- Of notifications attributed to male‑to‑male sex or male‑to‑male sex and injection drug use, 37% were diagnosed late (CD4 count <35).
