HIV
Straight men outnumber gay men in new HIV cases in WA
A larger number of straight-identifying men in Western Australia were diagnosed with HIV than gay men in the last year. Among men who have sex with men in WA, the number of HIV diagnoses (20) was 51 percent lower this year compared to the previous five-year average. However, among straight-identifying men it was 21 percent …
Mardi Gras AGM passes Pride in Protest motion slamming PrEP maker Gilead
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras members have voted to pass a motion from left-wing activist group Pride in Protest challenging PrEP manufacturer Gilead’s sponsorship. The Pride in Protest group made headlines for their controversial Mardi Gras AGM motions to “disinvite” Prime Minister Scott Morrison and ban police floats. While those motions were ultimately defeated …
World AIDS Day 2019 around Australia and the world
On 1 December every year, people around the world stop to mark World AIDS Day. People from different cultures, faiths and political persuasions all put aside their differences to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic and mourn those lost to it. Here are some images from World AIDS Day 2019 events across the globe. Participants …
World first HIV-positive sperm bank launches in New Zealand
New Zealand charities have launched the world’s first “HIV positive sperm bank” in an bid to reduce the stigma experienced by those living with the virus. Sperm Positive has started with three male donors from across New Zealand who are living with HIV but have an undetectable viral load. This does not cure the virus …
Federal government subsidises new HIV drug on PBS
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced HIV treatment drug Dovato will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, making it a more affordable for Australians living with HIV. “From December 1, Australians living with HIV will save more than $8,500 a year with the listing of a new combination medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits …
Aussie gay men on PrEP suffer less anxiety, study finds
An Australian study has found gay and bisexual men taking HIV prevention medication PrEP also have significantly lower levels of HIV-related anxiety. PrEP was made available in Australia through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in April 2018. When taken as directed, the once-daily pill is up to 99% effective at preventing an HIV negative person from …
How to commemorate World AIDS Day Queensland in 2019
There’s a program of events planned all over the state for World AIDS Day Queensland 2019. On the 1st of December each year, we pause to reflect on our progress in the fight against HIV. We remember those we lost and commit to supporting those still living with HIV today. It is also a time …
Queensland Positive People to celebrate 30th anniversary
At 1988’s Third National Conference on HIV/AIDS, a group of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) outed themselves as positive. This was undoubtedly a brave action at a time of massive social stigma. Consequently, a national coalition emerged from that group. They decided to establish PLWHA groups across Australia. The Queensland representatives, Reg Carnell and Bill …
Prince Harry and Gareth Thomas join forces for important HIV message
Prince Harry and openly gay rugby star Gareth Thomas have teamed up to raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing. The pair met with UK gay rugby club the King’s Cross Steelers ahead of the UK’s upcoming National HIV Testing Week. Two months ago, the former Wales rugby player (pictured above, right) revealed he …
Oldest known man living with HIV dies at age 100
The Portuguese man known as “the Lisbon patient” who was the oldest known person living with HIV has died after reaching his 100th birthday. The man’s real name was not made public, but researchers gave him the pseudonym Miguel in case studies. Miguel died last month aged 100, CTV News reported. He died peacefully in …