Historically high HIV testing rates and extended funding until the end of the decade have marked the two-year anniversary of a[TEST] Oxford St, the state’s only peer-driven, community-based testing centre for gay and homosexually-active men.

Since it opened in February 2015, a[TEST] Oxford St has provided over 10,000 HIV and STI tests.  Due to the strong demand, the service underwent an expansion to increase client capacity and create opportunities to diversify services into the future.  A future that is now more secure, with funding for the service secured until early 2020.

Our CEO Nicolas Parkhill says making HIV testing fast, free, convenient and culturally appropriate has been the key to the success of community-based testing, which now sees a[TEST] Oxford Street delivering the largest number of rapid HIV tests in NSW.

“Recent data from the NSW Ministry of Health shows that not only are new HIV notifications starting to decline, but HIV testing is continuing to increase both overall in NSW and among high risk populations,” Mr Parkhill said.

“In fact, figures show that 76 per cent of gay men in Sydney had an HIV test between 2015 and 2016, the highest figure since this data started being collected in 1996. The fact that a[TEST] Oxford Street has seen thousands of these men is very encouraging – especially for a new service – which demonstrates that increasing testing options leads to increased testing rates.” Mr Parkhill said.

Karen Price, our Deputy CEO and Director of HIV and Sexual Health suggests that it is a combination of factors that underpin these outcomes.

“Our Ending HIV campaigns are highly engaging and visible reminders to our communities that testing more is as important as staying safe and treating early in terms of reducing HIV transmission.  Once a person has decided to get a test, ensuring they have a good experience when they visit a[TEST] Oxford Street is key to them testing more often.  We see lots of return visitors as we know men appreciate the high quality, easy and convenient service we offer with our partners, Sydney Sexual Health Centre.” Ms Price said.

Associate Professor Dr Anna McNulty from Sydney Sexual Health Centre agreed, saying “We are delighted to be working with ACON to provide sexual health services in South Eastern Sydney. Along with HIV and STI testing, we are also providing PrEP to those enrolled in the EPIC – NSW study.  The combination of our clinical team and ACON’s peer testers is a partnership that is delivering real results in our Local Health District.” Associate Professor McNulty said.

Mr Parkhill concluded by saying “We are very grateful to the team at Sydney Sexual Health for our partnership.  We are also very grateful to gay men in NSW have consistently shown that they’re committed to looking after themselves and their partners, by testing more often.

“With Mardi Gras over for another year, we’re encouraging gay men in Sydney to book a test at any of the clinics across Sydney and NSW – these days it’s easier than ever to get tested and help end HIV.” Mr Parkhill said.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications Officer

E: dalexander@acon.org.au   T: +61 (02) 9206 2044   M: +61 (0)428 477 042