Young people are having sex earlier, how can we help keep them safe?

Young people in Australia are having sex earlier than previous generations, with 15 years old now the average age one first becomes sexually active. The majority of young people who are sexually active report positive experiences, however experimentation and risk- taking behaviours often seen in this stage of life, such as unprotected sex and multiple partners, can put young people at risk of negative outcomes. Compared to the […]

WA Opportunities for Sexual Health in AOD Settings: A Whole‑of‑Service Response to Syphilis

Syphilis rates have tripled in Australia over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, screening and early intervention across a range of health and community settings. People accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) services often face additional barriers to care and are at increased risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including syphilis. Staff working in these […]

Safe, Seen, Supported: Sexual Health for Migrant Communities 

Migrants, international students, and Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) workers can face unique barriers to accessing fundamental sexual health care in Australia, which can lead to poorer sexual health outcomes.  As nearly 1 in 3 people currently living in Australia were born overseas, it is crucial that primary healthcare providers are confident and capable […]

Sun! Sand! Syphilis? Improving healthcare professionals’ confidence in sexual health consults

Whether it’s hiking in Patagonia, surfing in Indonesia, eating sushi in Tokyo, and everything in between, travel is often a time of adventure, relaxation, and new experiences. Travel can also be a time when people engage in sexual behaviours outside of their usual patterns and increase their exposure to different sexual health risks. As healthcare professionals (HCPs), including GPs, nurses, and nurse practitioners, are likely to encounter patients before they embark on overseas travel, or those […]

Empowering Your Clients via a Pleasure-Centred Approach to Sexual Health

This recorded webinar outlines the value of a pleasure-focused, positive approach to Sexual and Reproductive Health. It emphasises the need to move beyond traditional harm reduction and risk minimisation paradigms and towards affirming and holistic care that promotes sexual well-being, empowerment, and safer-sex practices. The following presenters shared their practical tips and tools to incorporate […]

Sexual Health in Primary Care

This two-part online workshop provides primary care providers with the information and tools required to improve STI screening and care for priority populations. The workshop also addresses strategies available for the prevention of HIV transmission and highlights the importance of contact tracing and partner notification.   Date, Time, Platform: Dates:   Times: Platform: Live Online – Zoom  Click HERE […]

APS & ASHM | Starting the Conversation: Sexual Health for Psychologists

This webinar is being delivered by the Australian Association of Psychologists. Sexual health is a core part of overall health and wellbeing; sexual healthcare is healthcare. Yet many psychologists feel uncertain about how to navigate these conversations in clinical practice.  With rising rates of syphilis in Australia, there is an increasing need for healthcare providers […]

The conclusion of the Queensland Sexual Health Research Fund (SHRF)

The Queensland Sexual Health Research Fund (SHRF) project has now concluded, after enabling innovative research across the state. Established in 2018, the Fund has supported research projects to improve the sexual and reproductive health of Queenslanders, with up to $1.4 million invested across 19 projects over the course of the program. There were many highlights […]

WA Sexual Health and BBV Management and Care for Nurses and Midwives

This two-day face to face training course helps nurses and midwives understand the public health aspects and clinical management of common STIs, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The course helps participants develop confidence in a proactive and practical approach to health care and evidence-based practice. Scholarships This course has been funded by the Western […]

Introducing ASHM’s first Papua New Guinea country lead

As ASHM’s work in Papua New Guinea (PNG) continues to expand, it has become increasingly important to have somebody on the ground to lead the delivery of our health system strengthening work, with a particular focus on HIV and triple elimination. As such, this year ASHM welcomed Dr Percy Pokeya as the inaugural PNG Country Lead. Dr Pokeya will be overseeing a number of ASHM-led projects in the country, including the Supporting Triple Elimination in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste (STEPT) project as […]