In 2021, The National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) engaged QThink Consulting to investigate how well it involves people living with HIV (PLHIV) in its work. To do this, QThink constructed the Assessing NAPWHA’s Engagement with PLHIV Survey. The survey was informed by Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA), Meaningful Involvement of PLHIV and Affected Communities (MIPA) and Meaningful Involvement of Women and Girls Living with HIV (MIWA) principles, best practice guidelines sourced from a variety of NGOs, peak bodies and advocacy organisations, as well as input from NAPWHA. Also see: AIDS2022 Poster on MIPA Agency-engagement with PLHIV[PDF].
A NAPWHA workshop was held in Sydney on 2 May 2019 attended by NAPWHA jurisdictional and member organisations, as well as by researchers who worked closely with HIV-positive people and communities. Having the theme of Research and representation: Meaningful involvement of PLHIV in research activities, the group had by and large been selected or self-selected because of their interest and involvement in HIV-related research programs. This report summarises the convening of this workshop held at a moment of change within the call for an updated approach to engagement of PLHIV in HIV-related research.
HIV infection is a worldwide epidemic, affecting people in every country. People with HIV/AIDS (with or without symptoms) are struggling to stay alive and live with dignity. Our voices must be heard and our special needs met.
This Declaration sets forth the responsibilities of government, international agencies, service bodies, private enterprise, unions, the media, health care providers, schools, religious institutions and all Australians to ensure that the rights of people living with HIV are protected. People with HIV/AIDS include women, children, sex workers, haemophiliacs, injecting drug users, indigenous people, people with disabilities, people of non-English speaking backgrounds, young adults, heterosexual, bisexual and transsexual persons, lesbians and gay men.
We make this public Declaration of the Rights of People with HIV/AIDS and call on all Australians to ensure that they are upheld.
