The economics of HIV prevention strategies in NSW

James R. Hales

doi:10.1071/NB10010

RESEARCH ARTICLE

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The economics of HIV prevention strategies in NSW

James R. Hales

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Hales Health Consulting

^B Email: jimhales@bigpond.net.au

NSW Public Health Bulletin 21(4) 61-64 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB10010
Published: 27 May 2010

Abstract

HIV in Australia was first diagnosed in NSW in the early 1980s, and has had a significant effect on public health. The NSW Government commenced its investment in HIV/AIDS in 1984 and the investment now encompasses research, primary and secondary prevention, and care, treatment and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. A recent study examined the historical impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and projected its future impact in NSW. The analysis indicates that the NSW HIV/AIDS investment program has been highly effective in reducing HIV transmission, and has also been cost effective in: avoiding future health-care costs; life years saved; and quality of life benefits. The analysis also indicates that any scaling back of prevention initiatives would result in an increase in the number of people living with HIV.

References

[1] National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research. HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia Annual Surveillance Report 2009. National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2009. Available at: http://www.nchecr.unsw.edu.au/NCHECRweb.nsf/page/Annual+Surveillance+Reports (Accessed 2 March 2010.)

[2] Stewart K, Penny R. Containing HIV in NSW: a world class success. NSW Public Health Bull 2003; 14(3): 57–9.
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[4] Health Outcomes International Pty Ltd in association with National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research and Centre of Health Economics. York University. Return on investment in needle and syringe programs in Australia. Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, 2002.

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| PubMed | CAS |

[7] Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. Returns on Investment in Public Health: An epidemiological and economic analysis. Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing; 2003.

[8] National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research. Return on investment 2: evaluating the cost-effectiveness of needle and syringe programs in Australia 2009. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; 2009.