Context:

Australia is set to lift its ban on blood and plasma donations from sexually active gay and bisexual men, starting next month, making it the first country to remove all sexual activity-based restrictions on plasma donation. The changes, approved by the national health products regulator, aim to expand the donation pool by 625,000 people, addressing the high demand for plasma. Under the new guidelines, eligibility will be based on the nature of sexual relationships rather than sexual orientation, with a focus on whether individuals have had anal sex with new or multiple partners. People taking PrEP will be able to donate plasma, while those with HIV or a partner with HIV remain ineligible. Research by Lifeblood and the University of New South Wales confirms that these changes will not compromise the safety of blood and plasma supplies due to existing pathogen inactivation processes.

Dive Deeper:

• Australia will lift its ban on blood and plasma donations from gay and bisexual men, following similar policy changes in the UK and US, but uniquely removing all sexual activity-based restrictions on plasma donation.

• The new rules, set to take effect from next month, have been approved by the health products regulator and are expected to significantly increase the number of eligible donors by 625,000, thereby expanding the donor pool.

• Eligibility for blood donation will focus on whether individuals have had anal sex with new or multiple partners within the past three months, rather than solely on sexual orientation, allowing most people in long-term monogamous relationships to donate.

• While individuals on HIV prevention medication PrEP will be allowed to donate plasma, they are still restricted from donating blood; those with HIV or partners with HIV remain unable to donate plasma.

• Research conducted by Lifeblood in collaboration with the University of New South Wales' Kirby Institute affirms that the new regulations will not affect the safety of blood and plasma supplies, as plasma undergoes a pathogen inactivation process.

• The global demand for plasma, particularly in Australia, is at an all-time high and continues to rise, prompting Lifeblood to anticipate a much-needed increase in supply due to these regulatory changes.

• Health Equity Matters chief executive Dash Heath-Paynter has expressed support for the changes, highlighting their potential to unlock thousands of donations of life-saving plasma, which is increasingly essential in Australian hospitals.