Reframing Culturally Safe Practice in Hepatitis C Care

An introduction to this year’s C the Whole Story theme When we talk about “culturally safe” hepatitis C virus (HCV) care, what do we really mean? And how can creating a culturally safe environment improve treatment outcomes for people living with HCV? These questions form the foundation of this year’s C the Whole Story Forum, […]

Two decades of HPV vaccines: Where is Australia now?

Australia is on track to become the first nation to reach the target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2035, however, a decline in vaccination rates and cervical screening could put this in jeopardy. As a result, it is more important than ever for GPs to educate patients on the important role screening and vaccines play in the prevention of cervical cancer. […]

How direct-acting antivirals changed HCV treatment in Australia 

Overnight in 2016, the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Australia changed forever through the introduction of Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This month marks ten years since this vital turning point.   Prior to this, treatment for HCV typically took place in a hospital setting and scripts had to be written by a […]

In conversation: Women living with HIV on what they want clinicians to know

As part of this year’s National Day of Women Living with HIV, we spoke with two long-time advocates, Del Batton and Kath Leane, about what women living with HIV most want from their clinicians. Their messages are clear: women living with HIV want healthcare workers who listen, stay informed, and recognise that women’s experiences of […]

NuvaRing now added to PBS  

From November last year, the NuvaRing is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), allowing Australians subsidised access to another form of contraception.  The NuvaRing is a contraceptive device that is inserted into the vagina and releases a combination of oestrogen and progesterone to inhibit ovulation and increase cervical mucous preventing sperm’s ability to penetrate the uterus. It is worn for three weeks at a time, before […]

MBS changes to improve access to LARC 

On November 1, 2025, changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) came into effect that are intended to significantly reduce barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Australia. These changes will see long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) become more affordable and accessible for patients, particularly those in vulnerable communities who may otherwise face barriers to SRH care. These changes are informed […]

World AIDS Day Reflection: Josh Borja

For World AIDS Day Josh Borja, Senior Project Officer in ASHM’s National Policy and Education Division and Convenor of PANA (Positive Asian Network Australia), shares a reflection on his year working in the HIV sector. World AIDS Day is an annual reminder that progress in HIV care is measured not only in biomedical outcomes, but […]

Notice about changes to My Health Record

Legislative changes mean that as of 13 October 2025, the way that health information is uploaded to and accessed within My Health Record is changing. These changes may have significant implications for pathology related to blood-borne viruses and sexual and reproductive health. What are the changes? Two key changes are coming into effect: 1. Reduced […]

Dr Nick Medland remembered at Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference 2025

On 17 September, the HIV sector came together to remember and celebrate the life of Dr Nicholas ‘Nick’ Medland. Nick played a key role in shaping HIV and sexual health clinical and public health practice in Australia.  Starting his career in the HIV sector as a doctor at the Victorian AIDS Council Gay Men’s Health […]

Real people, real action, real results: Decolonising and Destigmatising Viral Hepatitis at VH2025 

This plenary session was proudly supported by Bellberry through their Participant Engagement Grant, enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community voices to be centred at VH2025. Troy Combo chairs the panel session. “Many sectors are not brave enough to centre these kinds of sessions,” said Troy Combo, chair of the ‘Decolonising and Destigmatising Viral Hepatitis’ […]