Vic closer to eliminating HIV

A new 12-month study is expected to reduce new HIV infections in Victoria by up to 30 per cent.

A new study into HIV in Australia has been released. Source: AAP

More Victorians at high risk of HIV infection will now have access to a trial of the latest prevention treatment.

The state government has expanded access to a trial HIV prevention medicine, Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which they say will reduce new HIV infections across the state by up to 30 per cent.

Up to 2,600 Victorians will have access to the 12-month study through a partnership between the state government, Alfred Health, Victorian AIDS Council and the Burnet Institute.

"This is a huge step in the fight against HIV, and brings us one step closer to achieving our goal of virtual elimination of new HIV infection by 2020," Health Minister Jill Hennessy said on Saturday.