National Association of People with HIV Australia

This week NAPWHA is marking Trans Week of Awareness (13-19 November) with a celebration of the work our research partners are doing to acknowledge the increasing relevance of trans identity and gender diversity for studies that investigate incidence and experiences of HIV. At the recent Australasian HIV and AIDS Conference, it was hugely inspiring to hear up-and-coming researchers sharing details and findings from the in-depth process they followed to adapt long-running research initiatives to better include the trans community. For instance, the Gay Community Periodic Survey is now known as the GBQ+ Community Periodic Survey, and questions on the survey have been redesigned in a careful and consultative way to better capture all the sex respondents are having, including with non-male and nonbinary partners. Although this seems like a simple change on the surface, it represents an enormous amount of work, and it will improve our understanding of the needs and experiences of trans and gender diverse people and communities. Much work remains to be done, particularly on adapting HIV notification forms and databases to accurately capture gender identities beyond the binary, in order to get a clear picture of how many trans people are acquiring HIV. But this is an important moment to acknowledge and celebrate trans people and our allies in the research community.

Good food helps a healthy gut Good food is important. We all know that. But what you eat is even more important when you are living with HIV. David Menadue explores gut health and finds that those of us living long-term with the virus may face added challenges because of the early damage caused by HIV. Follow the link https://ow.ly/AM6X50TvPoa or click on Positive Living in our link tree on our profile.

A snapshot of some interesting posters from this week's Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference in Sydney.

Today's the day! Attendees of the joint HIV and IUSTI conferences are invited to join us at 2pm in room C2.2 for a dynamic and important conversation about integrating quality of life into clinical HIV care. Jointly presented by NAPWHA and ViiV Healthcare.

Coming to the joint HIV & IUSTI conferences next week in Sydney? Join us for a lively debate on what HIV clinicians can do about quality of life. Kicking off in Room C2.2 on Wed 18 Sept 2-3.30pm! Presented by NAPWHA and ViiV Healthcare Australia.

Get the mpox vaccine – now is the time! In recent months an increasing number of mpox (Monkey Pox) cases have been detected in Australia. For people who are immunocompromised, including people with HIV, mpox may be more serious. People who are HIV positive, particularly gay and bisexual men who are sexually active, should receive two doses of the MPOX vaccine. https://lnkd.in/gXrZHwWp

Vale Bill Whittaker It is with deep sadness that Health Equity Matters and the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) note the passing of Bill Whittaker, a visionary leader and tireless advocate in Australia's community-led response to HIV. Bill Whittaker's journey with HIV began in the earliest days of the epidemic, before effective treatments were available. His personal experience fueled a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of those affected by HIV and shaping policy responses both in Australia and internationally. Throughout his distinguished career, Bill held pivotal leadership roles in key organisations. He served as the first CEO of ACON (AIDS Council of New South Wales) from 1986 to 1990. Upon stepping down from this position, Bill took on the role of President of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (now Health Equity Matters) from 1990 to 1992, and again from 2000 to 2003. He also served as NAPWHA President and then special representative from 2013 until the present day. These positions allowed him to drive significant advancements in HIV policy, treatment access, and community support. During the 1990s, Bill played a crucial role in advocating for increased access to antiretroviral treatments, helping to ensure that life-saving medications reached those who needed them most. His efforts during this period were instrumental in shaping Australia's response to the evolving HIV treatment landscape. Beyond Australia's borders, Bill was heavily involved in the international HIV response, sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and advocating for global action against the epidemic. His influence extended far beyond our shores, contributing to the global fight against HIV/AIDS. We extend our deepest condolences to Bill's family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His impact on our community and the broader field of public health will be remembered for generations to come.

Local and international experts join community advocates in a lively and provocative conversation debating the role of HIV clinicians in addressing poor quality of life in people with HIV. Don't miss out — join us at the HIV & IUSTI conferences in Sydney, Wed 18 Sept 2-3.30pm in Room C2.2.

This promises to be a lively and insightful conversation at the joint HIV & IUSTI conferences next week in Sydney. Join us in Room C2.2 on Wed 18 Sept from 2-3.30pm.

Coming to the joint HIV & IUSTI conferences next week in Sydney? This will be a cracker of a conversation. Join local and international experts and community advocates as we debate the role of HIV clinicians in responding to poor quality of life. Wed 18 Sept, 2-3.30pm in Room C2.2 — don't miss out!