The Silent Epidemic: Why Women Are Being Left Behind in the Fight Against HIV
For decades, HIV has been largely framed as a men’s health issue. But a growing concern is the increasing number of women being diagnosed late with the virus, often after unknowingly transmitting it to others. This isn’t simply a matter of numbers; it’s a systemic failure to recognize and address the unique challenges women face in accessing HIV prevention and care.
A Delayed Diagnosis Can Have Devastating Consequences
Heather Ellis, who works with Positive Women Victoria, knows this firsthand. After a one-time encounter while travelling in Mali in 1993, she received a positive HIV diagnosis a year later while preparing to study in Moscow. Her story highlights a critical issue: women are often not considered a high-risk group, leading to delayed testing and diagnosis. A late diagnosis – defined as more than four years after infection – can lead to severe health complications, including a depleted immune system and even infection-related cancers. Some members of Positive Women Victoria have even had to give up work due to cognitive impairment resulting from a late diagnosis.
Currently, women comprise over one in ten people living with HIV in Australia. However, new cases in women have seen only a 5% reduction in the past decade, compared to a 54% reduction among Australian-born men who have sex with men. This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions.
The Stigma and Systemic Barriers Women Face
The persistent association of HIV with gay men extends to healthcare professionals, creating a barrier to testing for women. Ellis reports that GPs don’t always offer HIV tests to female patients, and some even dismiss requests for testing. This stigma is compounded by a lack of awareness about the risks faced by women, particularly those travelling or recently divorced.
The Kirby Institute’s 2024 surveillance report reveals that 38% of all Australians with HIV are diagnosed late. This figure rises to 44% for women, 46% for heterosexual women, and 56% for women born overseas. These statistics point to a clear need for improved outreach and culturally sensitive healthcare services.
The Impact of Global Health Funding Cuts
Experts are as well concerned about recent cuts to USAID programs focused on HIV prevention. These cuts could lead to a higher prevalence of HIV in low- and middle-income countries, increasing the risk for Australians travelling abroad.
A New Approach: Education and Empowerment
To address these challenges, the National Association of People with HIV Australia, in partnership with Positive Women Victoria, is developing a new audiovisual education tool for healthcare professionals. The tool, called Women & HIV Today, will be co-designed and delivered by women living with HIV, emphasizing the impact of lived experience. The goal is to improve awareness and clinical practice, ensuring women are not diagnosed late.
Ellis emphasizes the importance of removing the stigma surrounding HIV. She recounts instances of experiencing stigma from doctors, including being advised to have an abortion simply because she was 40 and living with HIV. This highlights the need for comprehensive education about HIV treatment, which allows women living with the virus to have children without risk of transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is HIV treatment effective? Yes, antiretroviral treatment can stop the virus from replicating, allowing the immune system to repair itself.
- Can HIV be transmitted sexually? Yes, but with effective treatment, the risk of transmission is reduced to effectively zero.
- Are women at higher risk of late HIV diagnosis? Yes, women are more likely to be diagnosed late due to not being considered a high-risk group.
- What can be done to improve HIV prevention for women? Increased awareness, targeted testing, and removing the stigma surrounding HIV are crucial steps.
Did you know? Taking HIV treatment not only improves the health of the individual but also significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Pro Tip: If you are sexually active, discuss HIV testing with your doctor, regardless of your gender or perceived risk level.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. To learn more about HIV prevention and support services, visit the Positive Women Victoria website or the Kirby Institute.
