World AIDS Day is held globally every year on December 1st. A day to honour those that have died from AIDS-related illness around the world but also to show support for people living with HIV and to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS within our community.
Although HIV diagnoses remain low in NSW for our mob, we are still being diagnosed with gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis which can lead to increased risk of infertility, long-term reproductive issues and further spread of sexually transmitted infections in our communities. This pinpoints the need for better prevention strategies including screening. We can all play a role in Ending HIV (and STIs) through Prevention, Testing, Treatment and reducing Stigma – see NSW HIV Strategy and Resources – Ending HIV
If you have any ideas on how you’d like to promote HIV (or STI) awareness within your ACCHO or community, check out the NACCHO grants – up to $1000 to help deliver your idea, be it a screening blitz, health promotion activity or in-staff training!
If you have any questions or queries, be sure to reach out to our AH&MRC Sexual Health Nurse Kodie at kalderton@ahmrc.org.au
