Back in April, we shared an alert from NSW Health about rising cases of pertussis (whooping cough). Unfortunately, the trend continues, with NSW experiencing its highest pertussis rates in 15 years. Infants are at risk of severe illness and even death from pertussis.
Here’s how we can stay ahead and protect our at-risk bubs:
Timely vaccinations—ensure our infants receive their vaccines on schedule
Vaccinate during pregnancy—pregnant women should receive the pertussis vaccine between 20-32 weeks
Keep family members protected—parents, grandparents, family and caregivers in regular contact with infants should be up to date with vaccinations
Early testing and treatment—continue considering pertussis as a diagnosis for anyone presenting with a persistent cough
There is currently a shortage of the HIV PrEP combination tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine until November 2024.
The TGA has approved a limited supply of an S19A combination product.
NSW Health has been able to secure a sufficient quantity of this product for the current shortage duration.
If your patients are having difficulty accessing a supply of HIV PrEP, contact the Sexual Health Info Link (SHIL) on 1800 451 624 for advice. Encourage alternative prevention methods such as condoms and lube in the meantime.
For further information and advice regarding the shortage situation you can also visit the ASHM website.
Our Sexual Health Nurse Kodie and Head of Member Engagement Lockie attended the 25th IUSTI World Congress in Sydney last week.
Some highlights…
Lockie was impressed with the advantage of using Point of Care testing for rapid results and treatment of common STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas and recognised the potential for further use within our NSW ACCHOs.
There was the global awareness of emerging Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the treatment of STIs including gonorrhoea and trichomonas that we continue to monitor within the Australian context.
Several innovative prevention and intervention methods are currently under review around the world to assist STI management, so watch this space!
Mpox notifications on the rise
A common theme and discussion throughout the conference and within our current environment in NSW was Mpox.
381 cases of Mpox have been reported in NSW since June 2024.
Services within NSW need to have a low threshold for all sexually active people with any Mpox symptoms. It’s important to promote vaccination in all men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers, and their sexual partners. JYNNEOS Vaccination remains the recommended vaccine, and its clinic site availability can be found here. If you are having difficulty accessing the vaccine in your area please contact us at publichealth@ahmrc.org.au for assistance.
Our STI resources were a hit!
AH&MRC also had the opportunity to showcase the many sexual health resources to the national and international sexual health community.
Don’t forget our members can order these amazing resources (free) from our shop or by contacting our Sexual Health Nurse Kodie at kalderton@ahmrc.org.au
Addressing the prevalence of smoking and vaping in our communities presents a significant public health challenge. To support our member services in their tobacco control initiatives, AH&MRC is working with other stakeholders to ensure the ACCHO workforce has access to appropriate training and resources that can be utilised to support those wanting to quit smoking and vaping.
Why Your Input Matters
We want you to tell us what you need! So, as well as talking to many of you in person, we have developed a short survey to gather information aimed to ensure future training programs and resources are tailored to the needs of healthcare workers in ACCHOs. By completing this survey, you can help AH&MRC identify potential opportunities to increase the success of smoking and vaping cessation strategies and resources used in communities.
What the Survey Covers
The survey has 3 sections designed to gather your insights including:
Resources and Training: questions about the current resources available to assist clients in quitting smoking or vaping and what additional resources could improve the services’ capacity to support them.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): questions about funding, training, and support related to NRT products.
Opportunity for you to provide any additional feedback and/or suggestions.
How to Complete the Survey:
Completing the survey is straightforward and it will take just a few minutes of your time.
Your experiences and feedback are vital to this initiative. If you would like to speak to us about your experience or suggestions, please reach out toasavidis@ahmrc.org.au or publichealth@ahmrc.org.auand we will arrange to call you.
NSW Health have been listening to community and making improvements to the Knockout Health Challenge. They’ve heard that there might be some confusion when it comes to the program name and the NSW Koori Rugby League Knockout. However, we’ve also heard some love our name just the way it is. So, here’s a way to have your say about how we identify!
How to get involved
You, and your community are invited to send us your name suggestions
They want the name to be chosen by and resonate with community, and inspire change, leading to a stronger and healthier mob.
So put your thinking caps on and send them your suggestions via the online survey linked below. You can submit a name on behalf of your KHC team, or as an individual.
There is a new campaign to help you choose how to do your Cervical Screening Test (once called a Pap smear).
If you’d rather not have the test done by a doctor, you can opt for a self-swab at the clinic. It’s quick, private, and something you can do yourself. If you visit your Aboriginal Health Service, it should be free of charge.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years.
While it may be a tough conversation, sharing this information with your mob and friends could save lives.
Talk to your healthcare worker or visit the Own It website for more information.
On behalf of UNSW’s Health Promotion Unit and Safer Communities team – they’re delighted to share their annual sexual wellbeing festival: SEXtember @UNSW with you.
This year they’ve partnered with universities across Australia to bring you a range of online and in person events.
Living Poetry Project | All SEXtember | Online and at Helen Maguire Lawn
Explore four student poems and the collective love poem, Salty Sweet. The Living Poetry project is on display in The Helen McGuire Lawn all SEXtember and the online exhibition can be viewed now!
Breaking the Cycle – She is Not Your Rehab | Tuesday 24th September, 12-1pm | Zoom
How do we tackle gendered-based violence through a mental health lens? Brought to you by the UNSW Mental Health Network, Matt Brown, TEDx speaker and author of She Is Not Your Rehab will discuss this in this special webinar. Registrations essential!
Curious about what else is on this SEXtember? We’ve got you covered with more events, free courses and loads of information on safe and healthy sex and relationships on the SEXtember website. Check it out!
Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), together with partners the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) and Rural Doctors Network (RDN), are proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS).
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship is named in honour of Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter, a pioneering leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, whose many contributions shaped and influenced the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health sector we know today. Puggy fought uncompromisingly for the cause of Aboriginal health, yet was regarded respectfully, even affectionately, by his counterparts in politics and government.
Consortium members are working with the Hunter family and key partners to deliver a culturally safe and responsive scholarship program which empowers our future health, mental health and social sector workforce and one that reflects Puggy’s passion and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and self-determination across the health workforce and sector.
Scholarships opened on Monday 2 September 2024 for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students studying or enrolling in an entry level health course. The program offers financial assistance, cultural mentoring and a range of other supports to break down the barriers to completing university and VET sector studies and empower students to succeed.
Kamilaroi woman and IAHA Chairperson, Nicole Turner, said “many of our members have benefited in their studies as Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship recipients and progressed into the health workforce in clinical and non-clinical roles achieving their aspirations in health leadership. We know the important role that financial assistance plays in student success, but we’re excited to wrap our culturally safe and responsive supports around recipients to ensure they receive the cultural, personal, and professional mentoring, across their journey”.
Bundjalung man and NAATSIHWP Chairperson, David Follent, added “NAATSIHWP have a long history with the Puggy Hunter Scholarship and is pleased to be working with IAHA and RDN to ensure that we grow our future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, across all disciplines, led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.
“RDN is delighted to continue to work alongside two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations in the delivery of such an important program. We are privileged to complement IAHA and NAATSIHWP’s cultural leadership and care with the program and operational delivery expertise in ensuring Puggy Hunter Scholarship applicants and recipients are provided the best quality support and service” said RDN Chief Operating Officer, Mike Edwards.
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care and provides Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students up to $15,000 per annum for full time students, for the normal duration of their studies. Applications for the 2025 round close midnight Sunday 20 October.
Media enquiries
Paul Gibson | Chief Operating Officer | paul@iaha.com.au
Indigenous Allied Health Australia | (02) 6285 1010 or scan for more information on the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship.
