Source: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa today called on all political parties to commit to the goal of zero local HIV transmissions by 2030.
“With numbers tracking downwards in recent years we have a real shot at becoming the first country to eliminate local transmissions, but it won’t happen without the support of whoever forms the next government,” says Liz Gibbs, CEO of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, formerly the New Zealand AIDS Foundation.
“Better medicine funding, increased testing, reducing stigma and racial inequities, are all necessary for us to eliminate local transmissions,” said Liz.
The Foundation distributed its Roadmap to Zero (https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/media/5784/roadmap-to-zero.pdf) to candidates from all parties today, outlining the practical steps needed to eliminate local HIV transmissions by the end of the decade.
“The progress we’ve made so far in reducing local transmissions was only possible because of the continuity in support from successive governments. And it’s only through this spirit that we can get to zero”.
The roadmap outlines four key priorities, which include expanding access to prevention tools like PrEP and modern HIV medicines, improving access to HIV testing, addressing health inequities experienced by Māori, and continuing efforts to reduce the stigma that still surrounds HIV.
According to Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, almost half of HIV diagnoses in 2025 were diagnosed late, while New Zealand continues to lag behind comparable countries in funding and approving modern HIV medicines. The Foundation is calling for faster access to new treatments, including long-acting injectables like Cabuneva already available overseas, and broader access to HIV prevention services.
“Eliminating local HIV transmission is not only a health goal, it’s an economic one. Earlier diagnosis, better access to treatment and wider uptake of prevention tools reduce lifelong health costs and prevent future infections.”
The Foundation is also urging parties to commit to targeted action to address inequities. In 2025, Māori accounted for a quarter of all locally acquired HIV diagnoses despite making up a much smaller proportion of the population. “Future progress depends on solutions designed by, with and for Māori communities,” said Gibbs.
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa said reducing stigma must remain a central part of New Zealand’s HIV response.
“Too many New Zealanders still hold outdated beliefs about HIV. Stigma discourages people from getting tested, accessing prevention tools and seeking care. If we want to reach zero transmissions, we need to ensure people feel safe, supported and informed.”
“Aotearoa has a genuine opportunity to achieve something that would be internationally significant. Zero local HIV transmissions by 2030 is within reach. Now we need political leaders to help us get there.”