The NSW Government is substantially increasing access to life-saving treatments for people living with HIV.

The Enhanced Medication Access Scheme will give people living with HIV better access to treatments than ever before. People living with HIV have waited over 15 years for more convenient access to their medications.

Recent scientific evidence has demonstrated that HIV prevention can be enhanced by having a greater proportion of people living with HIV on stable anti-retroviral treatments.

Under the new scheme, patients who are stable on their medications and meet certain criteria, may elect to have their medications delivered to their home or workplace. A number of select retail pharmacies will also operate as pick up locations for patients.

A fee to recover courier and handling costs will be charged for delivery to locations other than a retail community pharmacy.

Seven retail pharmacies have already agreed to take part in the Enhanced Medication Access Scheme:

• Serafim Pharmacy, Darlinghurst
• Priceline Pharmacy, Surry Hills
• Blooms The Chemist, Marrickville
• Neutral Bay Pharmacy
• Enmore 7 Day Pharmacy
• Bill Warner Chemist, Darlinghurst
• Priceline Pharmacy, Lismore

The scheme is an initiative of the Albion Street Centre. Its director, Professor Julian Gold, said the centre was committed to supporting HIV-positive people with programs which improve quality of life.

"As one of the longest established HIV services in the world, this clinic tries to be a model of excellence in care for our patients and for all people with HIV and other infectious conditions," Professor Gold said.

The president of Positive Life NSW, Malcolm Leech, said the new scheme was an innovative and comprehensive response to delivering treatment.

"This will be particularly helpful for people with HIV who live in outer metropolitan and regional areas and need to travel long distances to a hospital pharmacy," Mr Leech said.

"It will also greatly assist individuals who have difficulty taking time off work to collect their HIV medications."

A taskforce will also be created to pursue additional measures to make it easier for patients to access treatment, including after-hours dispensing services.

HIV rates in NSW have remained stable with 307 new diagnoses in 2010. Last year, the NSW health system provided treatment, care and support services to more than 10,000 HIV-positive people.

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December in more than 190 countries across the world.

For further information on World AIDS Day in NSW visit: www.worldaidsdaynsw.org