• Charles Sturt University research team awarded $1,250,631 grant
• The grant will fund research into accessing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (preventative care)
• The grant is funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council Ideas Grants Scheme

A Charles Sturt University research team has been awarded more than $1.25 million for its groundbreaking work in improving access to HIV preventative care.

Associate Head of the Charles Sturt University School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences Dr Brian Sengstock is leading the research, titled ‘Young men who have sex with men: Improving access to HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis in an identified high-risk group’.

The research project received $1,250,631 through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grants scheme, designed to inspire and encourage researchers to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Dr Sengstock said their project will run from January 2025 to December 2027.

“Our research is identifying barriers to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or preventative, medication for young men in rural and regional areas who may be at risk of HIV infection,” Dr Sengstock said.

“This work aims to develop peer-led interventions that will make PrEP more accessible, reducing the risk of HIV infections in vulnerable populations.”

Through Dr Sengstock and his team’s research, the project aims to identify the barriers that young gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men living in Australia face in accessing HIV PrEP medication.

“A big part of this includes their awareness and knowledge of event-driven prevention,” he said.

“We’re also aiming to implement a peer-led, mobile health-based intervention to facilitate PrEP adoption among 18- to 25-year-olds who may be at risk of HIV infection.

“The project will also investigate the knowledge and understanding of general practitioners regarding HIV PrEP, aiming to identify the role GPs play in improving access to PrEP as Australia seeks to virtually eliminate HIV transmission by 2030.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler, said the landmark investment would empower researchers to turn bold ideas into transformative solutions that will benefit the health and wellbeing of Australians for generations to come.
 
“These projects are driving a greater culture of research innovation and carving out pathways to commercialisation of health and medical research,” Minister Butler said.
 
“Through this investment, we are unlocking new opportunities for researchers to commercialise their discoveries, improve health care and create a healthier future for all Australians.”