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‘Boldly Positive’ – NAPWHA community shares their journey for World AIDS Day 2022

November 30, 2022

World AIDS Day occurs annually on 1 December to raise awareness about the issues concerning HIV and AIDS globally. It is a day to celebrate the inspiring actions by the HIV and AIDS sector and advocates, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those who are no longer with us due to AIDS or other conditions related to HIV.

This year’s theme for World AIDS Day in Australia is ‘Boldly Positive’ which aims to “encourage Australians to educate themselves and others about HIV; to take action to reduce the transmission of HIV by promoting prevention strategies; and to ensure that people living with HIV can participate fully in the life of the community, free from stigma and discrimination.” Read more.

Here are what some people from our member organisations and board have to say about how Positive Living organisations are enabling them and other people living with HIV to be ‘Boldly Positive’.

We encourage you to share these testimonies and support your local World AIDS Day events & HIV organisations.

Find a World AIDS Day event near you

Internationally: The World Health Organization’s theme this World AIDS Day is ‘Equalize’ reminding us that the inequalities experienced in the HIV epidemic are not inevitable and we can combat them. It is a call for action for an increase in the availability, quality and suitability of services, law reform, and the sharing of technology. Read more.

See also our previous World AIDS Day campaigns:

We just announced our 2022 Community Champions, recognising inspiring action and unsung supporters in HIV.

Meet our 2022 Community Champions

Treatment Outreach Network 2021 meeting held virtually

November 30, 2022

NAPWHA’s Treatment Outreach Network – a membership of professionals from Australian State and Territory peer-based organisations and AIDS Councils, held their annual formal meeting via video conferencing in April and November 2021. The Treatment Outreach Network 2020 meeting was also held online during COVID-19 restrictions.

Treatment Outreach Network meeting agenda

Time	Session
11 – 11.15am	Acknowledgement of Country Brief introductions
11.15am – 12.00pm	Treatments and update from European AiDS Clinical Meeting – Presentation and Q&A Damien Fagan – Associate Director, Medical Affairs, HIV (Gilead) NB This is not a Gilead session.
12.00 – 12.15 pm	Break / 15 minutes
12.15 – 12.45pm	NAPWHA Research Literacy and Treatment Initiative – Scoping session to identify research literacy needs Dr Jeanne Ellard – NAPWHA
12.45 – 1.15pm	ARVs and weight gain – Presentation and Q&A Professor Jennifer Hoy – Director HIV Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred
1.15 – 1.30pm	Meeting review and evaluation
1:30pm	Meeting close

ARVs and weight gain

In this presentation to the Treatment Outreach Network,
Professor Jennifer Hoy – Director HIV Medicine at
Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred, presents a version of
What is known about weight gain on INSTI-based regimens?

DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION SLIDES

In this presentation, Dr Jennifer Hoy makes references to:

Michael Silverberg et al, “Changes in body mass index over time in persons with and without HIV.” 23rd International AIDS Conference. (2020) Abstract OAB0603.
Myles Helfand, “Body Mass Index Among People With HIV Is Rising Much Faster Than in the General Population.” TheBody/TheBodyPro (2020)
Bourgi K. et al., “Greater weight gain among treatment- naïve persons starting integrase inhibitors: NA-ACCORD.” Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (2019). Abstract #670.
Hill A. et al., “Progressive rises in weight and clinical obesity… ADVANCE and NAMSAL trials.” 22nd International AIDS Conference. (2019) Abstract 4772.
Mallon P. et al., “Weight gain before and after switch from TDF to TAF in a U.S. cohort study.” J Int AIDS Soc. 2021 Apr; 24(4): e25702.
Ramgopal M et al. Pooled analysis of 4 international trials of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in adults aged >65 or older demonstrating safety and efficacy: week 48 results. 23rd International AIDS Conference, abstract OAB0403, 2020.
Liz Highleyman, “Switching to Biktarvy maintains viral suppression in people aged 65 or over.” NAM aidsmap (2020)
European AIDS Clinical Society, “EACS Guidelines – Version 10.1.” (October 2020) – refer to p. 53 on Dietary Counselling and ART

Additional viewing: Emma Sheldon-Collins, Community Advocate speaking to Dr James McMahon (The Alfred, Victoria) for the HIV ARV Guidelines Session at 2020 Australasian HIV & Sexual Health Conference

About the NAPWHA Treatment Outreach Network

The Treatment Outreach Network (TON) is a formal collaboration of HIV community sector professionals working to optimise the overall wellbeing of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Australia, by providing a high standard of information and current research on issues of health and treatments for HIV.

TON’s role is to provide consistent and up-to-date information to HIV sector professionals working at state and territory HIV community organisations as well as PLHIV. NAPWHA maintains a range of partnerships to ensure the aims of the network are met. The network meets formally once per year and informal communication occurs throughout the rest of the year to continue TON’s work.

NAPWHAs Annual General Meeting 2022 Summary

November 24, 2022

18-19 November 2022

Last week NAPWHA hosted our 2022 Annual General Meeting at the Rydges Hotel in Camperdown, Sydney. We were excited to be all meeting face-to-face for the first time in a few years and hear presentations from each of our member organisations and community networks.

Image: Attendees of the Annual General Meeting 2022.

Download the Agenda

Annual Report 2022

Executive Director, Aaron Cogle gave a summary of the Annual Report that was released early last week. This included NAPWHA’s FY21-22 highlights and celebrated some wins for NAPWHA including the launch of the peer navigator training and the funding of home testing kit initiative. Take a look at the full report.

DOWNLOAD THE ANNUAL REPORT

NAPWHA Board Announcements

NAPWHA President, Scott Harlum, made announcements of new changes to the NAPWHA Board, including the welcomed appointment of Ryan Oliver and welcoming back Diane Lloyd who took some time off this year. Warm thanks and acknowledgements were made to departing board member, Steve Spencer.

Ryan Oliver is the Positive Organisation WA Treasurer and is a HIV positive kiwi living in Perth. HIV advocacy and awareness define Ryan’s involvement within the HIV sector, as he strengthens a world where HIV is normalised and we live together without stigma or discrimination. Ryan’s goal is to provide advocacy, leadership, and representation for the diverse needs of all people with HIV in this state.

As an advocate for change, Ryan seeks to provide a voice and a face of the HIV community in WA. Ryan is empowered to be seen and heard personally, professionally and publicly as an HIV positive man and feels connected to a network of positive peers that will result in a changed lived experience for people with HIV. Ryan has publicly spoken about the changed dynamic in the current age of undetectable = uninfectious (U=U), also known as Treatment as Prevention (TasP), and PrEP.

Image: NAPWHA President Scott Harlum presenting at the AGM.

Guest Speakers 2022

We were treated to some interesting presentations by external guest speakers on Monkey Pox, Breastfeeding and Stigma.

Dr Nick Medland called in from London to give an update on Monkey Pox including its population prevalence trends, epidemiology and vaccine efficacy. Dr Adam Bartlett presented on U=U and an update on breastfeeding studies, noting that the research lags behind the community’s progress.

Lexy Kong from Ipsos spoke to the findings of market research on HIV stigma in two groups in Australia – Asian families and white, young males. While some of this research was confronting for the room to hear, it will aid future campaigns by positive living organisations that address stigma.

Download the Ipsos Stigma Presentation

Understanding PLHIV experience through the HIV Futures study

Dani Putra-Jaya Sudarto is a Social Work Student and Community Worker who has been working on a project with NAPWHA to review the existing nine HIV Futures Studies. From his review he has been able to provide foresight for future research. More of this will be published over the coming months, but in the meantime take a look at Dani’s AGM presentation.

Image: Dani Putra-Jaya Sudarto, Social Work Student who is leading the project on ‘Understanding PLHIV experience through the HIV Futures Study.’

Download Presentation

NAPWHA Community Networks

Jimmy Chen, NAPWHA Networks Projects Officer, introduced the convenors of each Community Network who gave updates on their work in 2022 and goals moving forward.

The Living Well social media campaign for the National Day of Women Living With HIV has inspired WHIV from all over Australia to unite and share what living well means to them.
– Heather Ellis, convenor of the National Network of Women living with HIV

There is a real importance that Aboriginal people living with HIV must have a place at the table alongside our Non-Indigenous Brothers and sisters so we can learn from one another, share in the knowledge, and walk the same path in the elimination of HIV for everybody.
– Michelle Tobin, convenor of PATSIN

I received great support so far from every organisation but when it comes to PANA where I can meet people from similar backgrounds and stories, I feel related and sense of belonging again because everyone has been through similar situation. And I found it’s very easy to talk with everyone because they are all very welcome and the most important thing for me is feeling like you are part of something in somewhere far away from home. It helps me a lot.
– Jetsada Khumyong, convenor of PANA

The proportion of Latin American students in Australia has been steadily growing in the last seven years. PLAN is aimed specifically to communities living with HIV from Spanish and Portuguese speaking backgrounds living in Australia. The important of support, engage and explore the factors not only related to HIV health. But also in treatment, visa and migration issues, disclosure, stigma, and resilience.
– Miguel Valencia, convenor of PLAN

2021-22 was the year that saw us form, and add our voices in a way that we probably haven’t been able to before.
– Anth McCarthy, convenor of HetMA

Download Presentation

Book Launch: “Start With Your Own Onion”

Image: Adrian Ogier, NAPWHA Director of Communications and Campaigns, interviewing author Greg Kelly.

We wrapped up Day One with a special event to support longtime community member, Greg Kelly and his new book “Start with Your Own Onion.” Keep an eye out on NAPWHA’s socials for more information of how to purchase one of these shortly.

Medibank Data Leak: Update

November 10, 2022

Medibank confirmed yesterday that the current data disclosures DO NOT include HIV status, contrary to what was announced by the media (this has now been corrected). However, NAPWHA understands that the potential for HIV status to be the subject of future releases of stolen data is still concerning for many PWHIV who keep their HIV status private.
At present, only about 100 records have been released and they do not contain HIV information. People with HIV who have not yet been notified that their data is part of the data leak should draw some reassurance from this. Medibank has already contacted those whose data is involved.
We know that this will be an unsettling time for many people living with HIV who fear their personal health information might be in the hands of the Medibank hackers. Please reach out for support from NAPWHA or the ‘people with HIV’ organisations in your State or Territory if you need it.
NAPWHA will continue to monitor the situation and respond where we are able. We are working with Medibank and the AFP to provide appropriate support and assistance to people with HIV caught up in this data breech.
We encourage anyone who has been affected to reach out to Medibank and to follow their advice. If you are contacted by someone claiming to have your data, you should immediately contact the Australian Federal Police on (02) 1300 292 371 or call 000.
Below are several contacts to services that can provide you with the advice or support you require.
What to do:
Medibank Cyber event updates and support:
Cyber Response Support Program
Report a crime:
Australian Federal Police
(02) 1300 292 371 or 000
AFP media release
ReportCyber Website
Contact Medibank Private
13 23 31 national and international Medibank customers
13 42 46 AHM customers
1800 081 245 My Home Hospital patients
Website
Help and Support:
NAPWHA will direct you to relevant support services
1800 259 666 (Free Call)
NAMWHA Members

ViiV Positive Action Grants 2022

October 3, 2022

ViiV Healthcare Australia through its Positive Action Community Grants is looking to fund community-based projects that reach those most affected by, or at risk of HIV, particularly in marginalised, hard to reach or vulnerable populations. The funding supports initiatives that are innovative, sustainable and produce tangible results for PWHIV.

Partnerships and collaborations are encouraged and ViiV will prioritise submissions that allow for implementation replication on either a national level or in other jurisdictions.

About the funding initiative

ViiV Healthcare is a specialist pharmaceutical company 100% focused on combating, preventing and ultimately curing HIV and AIDS. ViiV’s collective determination is to make sure no one at risk of or living with HIV is left behind.

Its vision is to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, by developing innovative medicines, delivering and supporting more effective solutions in care and being partners – to people with HIV (PWHIV), their carers and communities.

One way in which ViiV Healthcare supports the community response is via the Australian Positive Action Community Grants program. This program is aligned with the current priorities of the Eighth National HIV Strategy and contributes to the holistic response of UNAIDS 90–90–90 goals and “the fourth 90”.

Positive Action was created in 1992 by the pharmaceutical company GSK, who still holds an interest in ViiV. It was the first pharmaceutical company program to support communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Key dates

Applications open Monday, 3rd October 2022 (9am)

Applications close Monday, 31 October 2022 (5pm)

Find out more and apply

Positive Action 2022 Grant Guidelines

Positive Action 2022 Application Form

Highlights from the Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference 2022

August 22, 2022

Mon 29 August — Thu 1 September 2022

The complete program for the joint virtual Australasian Sexual Health and HIV&AIDS Conference #HIVAIDS2022 & #SH2022, held at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, Queensland, has a live and on-demand full program. NAPWHA has compiled a selective list of program highlights that may be of interest for our communities below.

VISIT THE LIVE CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Community welcome: Robert Mitchell, Past-NAPWHA President

READ THE OPENING ADDRESS [PDF]

NAPWHA Rapportage by Daniel Reeders

Couldn’t make the conference? NAPWHA Learning Officer, Daniel Reeders, provided an excellent coverage and rapportage of the 4-day conference program via the NAPWHA Twitter feed.

And that’s a wrap on #HIVAIDS2022 #SH2022! Thanks for all the kind comments, tweets and engagement this week. Looking forward to getting home to my own bed. — Daniel pic.twitter.com/TlELNlXxsL
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) September 1, 2022

ACCESS THE #HIVAIDS2022 TWITTER RAPPORTAGE VIA @NAPWHA

Satellite Session: Going beyond viral suppression

Fantastic 'Going beyond viral suppression' @ViiVHC lunchtime session with the illustrious Vanessa Wagner; joined by esteemed panel, Prof Jenny Hoy (@jennyhoy2), @DrNnekaNwokolo & @DrGrahamBrown who spoke of #PozQoL scale used to track the quality of life of #PLHIV. #HIVAIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/6kXxNOpj1S
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) August 31, 2022

Poster #312 Hidden in Plain Sight? Creating a Culturally-Appropriate Peer Navigation Model to Facilitate Engagement with PLHIV from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds

Poster #312: Hidden in Plain Sight? Creating a Culturally-Appropriate Peer Navigation Model to Facilitate Engagement with People Living with HIV from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds

Background: Positive Life NSW (PLNSW) adapted a peer navigation model to build capacity of CALD PLHIV utilising Peer Navigators to role-model and share their lived experiences, improving the health, quality of life outcomes and increasing health literacy and capacity of CALD PLHIV to self-advocate. Engaging Peer Navigators from the CALD community has provided a deeper understanding of culture and remains agile yet sensitive to the developing needs of this priority population. CALD Community Peer Navigators use a range of different tools and modes of communication to address social isolation, stigma / discrimination, system navigation, peer support and program follow-up..

This poster was presented at the Joint HIV&AIDS & Sexual Health Conference 2022. See also the abstract submitted

Download the Poster [PDF]

Poster #56: Lessons From The Archive: Queer Indonesia Archive

Poster #56: Lessons From The Archive: Queer Indonesia Archive

Background: In Indonesia the lived experiences and narratives of queer people are being challenged, erased, and delegitimized in the national collective memory. For the lasttwo years the Queer Indonesia Archive (QIA) – a volunteer run, Indonesia based digital archiving project – has been building a digital collection reflecting the histories of queer communities. QIA utilises a process of community consultation, material collection and exhibition as it’s community archive process. Through this method the archive has built an accessible collection of digital objects to promote cross generational engagement, build community capacity and ensure a community collective memory of the HIV response.

This poster was presented at the Joint HIV&AIDS & Sexual Health Conference 2022. See also the abstract submitted

Download the Poster [PDF]

Poster #126: GIPA Audit – Assessing the National Association of People Living with HIV Australia’s engagement with people living with HIV

Poster #126: GIPA Audit – Assessing the National Association of People Living with HIV Australia’s engagement with people living with HIV

Background: The National Association of People Living with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) relies upon its membership and the body positive to understand the priorities for people living with HIV (PLHIV) across Australia. As the national peak organisation representing PLHIV, they commissioned an independent assessment of their engagement with positive people, including 17 priority populations.

This poster was presented at the Joint HIV&AIDS & Sexual Health Conference 2022. See also the abstract submitted

Download the Poster [PDF]

Poster #269: Re-imagining the role of the NAPWHA Treatment Outreach Network

Poster #269: Re-imagining the role of the NAPWHA Treatment Outreach Network

Background: NAPWHA’s Treatment Officer Network (TON) has operated for over twenty years. During that time the treatments landscape has changed fundamentally, as treatments have become simpler and easier to take, resulting in less demand from clients for treatment advice and support.

This poster was presented at the Joint HIV&AIDS & Sexual Health Conference 2022. See also the abstract submitted

Download the Poster [PDF]