What it means to have HIV

Patients diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will benefit from a new video which helps them understand and manage their condition.

HIV is a notifiable infectious disease and an estimated several thousand people live with HIV in Western Australia. HIV can be effectively managed through antiretroviral medication, allowing a person living with HIV to lead a full and healthy life.

Antiretroviral medication has been the cornerstone in transforming the HIV epidemic from when people diagnosed with HIV faced a terminal condition, to HIV being regarded as a chronic but manageable condition, typically managed through a simple daily tablet regimen. This video is essential viewing for people living with HIV particularly those recently diagnosed and for people with an interest in understanding how HIV is managed today.

The video was commissioned by the Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program, with the project led by HepatitisWA with guidance provided from Aboriginal community members and health service providers.