Australian Federation Of Aids Organisations (Afao)

Lovely to have Senator Louise Pratt visit the AFAO office today. We look forward to working with Senator Pratt on HIV and LGBTI health in her new role as Shadow Assistance Minister for Equality.

Monash University is conducting research on the use of digital media in patient activism and are interested in perspectives from people in the HIV sector. Follow the link and let them know what role digital media plays in your activism https://bit.ly/2o9Ngt8

We send our condolences to Jim Hyde’s family, friends and the community. As a Special Committee Member of the AFAO Executive Committee from 1992 - 93, we value Jim’s commitment to the national response to HIV. VALE Jim Hyde

St Vincent's Hospital Sydney is looking for Australian residents aged 18 years to complete a brief online questionnaire on substance use and sex. If you'd like to take part in this study visit susi.org.au

Pictures from AIDS2018 Conference in Amsterdam including AFAO's "Sustaining the HIV Response in Asia" event, celebrating the partnerships AFAO has developed through its work in the Asia-Pacific region.

From now until 15 October 2018, you will be able to decide if you want My Health Record. For more information see the Fact Sheet below. If you would like to opt out visit https://bit.ly/2KXekd9 or print forms at your local post office.

This NAIDOC Week we honour and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women living with and affected by HIV and engaged in the HIV response. Your experience and contribution are valuable to how we approach HIV #BecauseOfHerWeCan

Today we’re arguing the benefits of PrEP in the SMH. This medicine is driving a big reduction in transmission. In fact, HIV testing and prevention is more powerful and widespread now than ever. https://www.smh.com.au/…/sensible-to-ta ckle-stis-and-hiv-at…

Drug resistance to STIs, in particular gonorrhoea, is a subject of ongoing media attention. Drug-resistant gonorrhoea is not a significant problem in Australia, at this time. There is a possibility that this could change. To learn more about gonorrhoea, current treatment options and strategies to prevent drug resistant gonorrhoea see AFAO’s briefing on this issue.
https://bit.ly/2IyZNyg

Want to know more about My Health Record? What are the benefits? What are some potential risks? AFAO in consultation with the Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League, the National Association of People with HIV Australia and Scarlet Alliance have developed a My Health Record Fact Sheet. Check it out! https://bit.ly/2K7Z5gK

Australian states and territories should follow Canada’s lead and offer clean injecting equipment in all Australian prisons to assist in driving down HIV and viral hepatitis notifications across the country.

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism & Transphobia IDAHOBIT. A day to reflect on the impact of discrimination against LGBTIQ people, and a reminder for us to stand up in support of LGBTIQ communities not only today, but every day.

Last night's #Budget2018 revealed that the Federal Government has pledged $180 million to fund #PrEP. This listing and funding of PrEP will ‘drive a sharp reduction in #HIV transmission’https://www.gaystarnews.co m/…/australian-government-gives…/…

Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Today we celebrate trans & gender diverse people around the world, & raise awareness of transphobia and the stigma & discrimination faced by trans & gender diverse people.

HIV and Universal Health Care: Are we in or are we out?
Want to know more about: * Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the role of communities in ensuring equitable access to health services in the South East Asia region; and * how the region (Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia) is doing in terms of providing essential services to communities most affected by HIV?
... Hear about the current situation on UHC and how communities can best engage in the process from regional and country experts. Don’t miss this exciting event!
As part of the SHIFT Program’s efforts to better engage and support communities in the region on HIV financing, our Indonesian partner, Indonesian AIDS Coalition (IAC) will be hosting a one-day forum bringing together 76 activists, community representatives, national insurance schemes policy makers and implementers, health analysts and other experts to understand the region and identify ways to better address the needs of communities and ensure no one is left behind. The forum also aims to discuss opportunities drawn from country experiences and analytical works on achieving UHC for key populations.
The expected outcome of this forum includes: * A set of common regional and country advocacy strategies/roadmaps to advance policy opportunities to make UHC inclusive and accessible to key populations through multi-sectoral engagement, policy coherence and engagement of the key populations; * The development of measurements to monitor progress on advocacy for improved access for key populations.
Hear from a diverse group about what is being achieved and what can be done to help maximise health outcomes for communities most affected by HIV.
The forum will be streamed live from Jakarta at 9.00am (1pm AEDT) at: https://www.facebook.com/indonesiaaidscoa lition/?ref=br_rs
Kirby Institute Burnet Institute Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine Apcaso APCOM Indonesia AIDS Coalition
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Today, the Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt announced that PrEP will be listed on Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 April. From that date, people at risk of HIV will be able to get a script from any GP and obtain PrEP from a community pharmacy.
The Minister spoke at a media event this morning at Serafim’s Pharmacy in Darlinghurst, Sydney, together with Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, Professor Andrew Grulich from the Kirby Institute and AFAO's CEO Darryl O'Donnell.

Health Minister, Greg Hunt announces PrEP will be listed on the PBS from 1 April 2018. Soon you’ll be able to visit any GP for a three month supply of PrEP. More information below. http://bit.ly/2u3Zolp

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations mourns Scientia Professor David Cooper. David was a man of science, but he never forgot that people are at the centre of the HIV epidemic. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Dorrie, daughters Becky and Ilana, and the wonderful team at the Kirby Institute. http://bit.ly/2pn0bcd

**Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this video contains names of people who have passed away.
Senator Dean Smith paid tribute in the Senate last night to two leaders in Australia’s response to HIV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le6OC7n2F Tg&feature=youtu.be