About us

Founded in 1989, The National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) is Australia’s peak non-government organisation representing community-based groups of people living with HIV (PLHIV). NAPWHA’s membership of national networks and state-based organisations reflects the diverse make-up of the HIV-positive community and enables NAPWHA to confidently represent the positive voice in Australia.

Founded in 1989, The National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) is Australia’s peak non-government organisation representing community-based groups of people living with HIV (PLHIV).  NAPWHA’s membership of national networks and state-based organisations reflects the diverse make-up of the HIV-positive community and enables NAPWHA to confidently represent the positive voice in Australia.

NAPWHA provides advocacy, policy, health promotion, effective representation, and outreach on a national level. Its work includes a range of health and education initiatives that promote the highest quality standard of care for HIV-positive people. NAPWHA also contributes to clinical and social research into the incidence, impact and management of HIV.

NAPWHA has an impressive record in treatments advocacy working in the area of drug access and clinical trials. However, in recognising that health is more than merely drug treatment, NAPWHA works in partnership with healthcare professionals, researchers, government and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that a broad view of health and well-being is reflected at all levels of service delivery.

NAPWHA’s vision is of a world where people with HIV live their lives to their full potential, in good health and free from discrimination. NAPWHA’s mission is to provide national advocacy, leadership and representation across the diverse needs of all people living with HIV in Australia

NAPWHA

• represents the needs of HIV-positive people, especially those dealing with treatment issues, clinical trials, disability and support services, welfare issues and health promotion strategies
• lobbies government on a range of HIV-specific and broader health and social policy issues
• collaborates with service providers to ensure that the current needs of positive people are met
• participates in community-based education and health promotion initiatives
• develops and contributes to policy across the health and welfare sectors
• fosters partnerships with government, the research community, HIV clinicians, the pharmaceutical industry and other consumer health and disability groups
• assists state and local HIV-positive organisations and groups to undertake advocacy, education and policy work

Our structure

NAPWHA has a secretariat based in Sydney, which undertakes a range of policy, health promotion, advocacy and support work. This work is overseen by a Board of Directors elected by our membership from around the country. The governance of NAPWHA is open only to people with HIV. Meet the current occupants of Board, Convenor and staff positions.

Our membership

NAPWHA has several categories of membership. Full membership is reserved for the recognised organisation of HIV-positive people in each state or territory. Associate membership is open to other positive organisations or networks and individuals living with HIV. Affiliate membership is open to any organisation, group or individual regardless of sero-status. Honorary membership may be granted in recognition of the significant contribution of particular HIV-positive individuals to furthering the interests of people living with HIV nationally. All membership applications are decided by a vote of the representatives of the full members of the Association.  Meet our current members, including National Network of Women, HetMAN Australia, PLAN (Positive Latinx Australian Network), PANA (Positive Asian Network Australia), and PATSIN.