Our new resource for gay and bisexual men provides information about HIV transmission, prevention, testing and diagnosis as well as how to prevent other sexually transmissible infections.

This is an updated version of a popular resource. You can download it or hard copies are available at AIDS Councils. 

Taking a Look will also soon be available as a website at www.takingalook.org.au.

With plenty of good news about Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at the recent Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2015), it was time to update our background Briefing on PrEP. 

The briefing provides an overview of PrEP trial results and the actions AFAO is taking to ensure it's a viable HIV prevention option for gay and bisexual men at high risk of HIV infection. 

Download PrEP Background Briefing

Members of the AFAO Policy team attended the inaugural conference on Migration, Social Disadvantage and Health in Melbourne in February.

The conference, which canvassed a wide range of issues from HIV to obesity to mental health, was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the broader context of migrant and refugee health, as well as showcase some of AFAO's work in this area.

Both Michael Frommer and Jill Sergeant from our Policy team presented, and Jill's post on the AFAO blog captures key themes from the conference.

AFAO's international work has a stong focus on supporting our partners' advocacy efforts in their own regions and countries. We've recently assisted CAI and APCASO in developing documents to support their case for enhanced investment in the HIV response:

HIV Investment Matters: Government Commitments to HIV Investments in Asia and the Pacific - a briefing paper on financing, which is intended for use as an advocacy tool.

Bridging the Gap: Community advocacy towards nationally funded and sustainable HIV treatment in Vietnam - a case study of the pivotal role of the Community Advocay Initiative (CAI) in Viet Nam in building consensus on a new funding framework. 

Gay men (particularly HIV-positive gay men) are at a greater risk of developing some HPV-related cancers, compared to the general population.

That's why in late 2014 we launched a new campaign that aims to reduce the rate of anal cancer among gay men and other men who have sex with men. 

The Bottom Line campaign inlcudes a website - www.thebottomline.org.au - and two booklets:

Understanding Anal Cancer Screening Results and

Information for Men Diagnosed with Anal Cancer

The booklets and posters are available from AIDS Councils in each state and territory.

The Policy Team has been engaging in consultations on national health policy and regulatory processes.

We lodged a submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regarding its Review of Medicines and Medical Devices Regulation and spoke with panel members at a round-table discussion.

We also provided comments on proposed performance requirements for HIV rapid tests. 

We highlighted the potential negative impact of mooted changes to Medicare on HIV prevention and the care and support of people living with HIV at the Sydney round-table of the Senate Inquiry into Health Policy, Administration and Expenditure. 

View our Media release on proposed Medicare changes

AFAO is currently developing a Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) awareness campaign for gay men and other men that have sex with men.

PEP is a month-long course of HIV treatments that, if taken within 72 hours of HIV entering the body, can prevent a person becoming infected. PEP can be an effective HIV prevention tool after high-risk events such as condomless sex, sex where a condom breaks, and sharing injecting equipment.

This campaign will aim to increase awareness of how PEP works and where gay men can access it. The campaign will consist of significant updates to the Get PEP website, as well as posters and other promotional materials. We expect it to launch during winter.

AFAO will also be working with the clinical sector to scope and devise appropriate mechanisms and activities to increase awareness of PEP and the PEP prescribing guidelines among clinicians throughout Australia.

For current info about PEP and where to access it, check out: www.getpep.info.