A snapshot infographic of some of the key findings from the Canberra GBQ+ Community Periodic Survey (GCPS). 

The Canberra GBQ+ Community Periodic Survey (formerly known as the Gay Community Periodic Survey) is a cross-sectional survey of gay and bi+ (GBQ+) men and non-binary people who have sex with GBQ+ men recruited from a range of LGBTIQ+ venues and events in Canberra and online throughout the Australian Capital Territory. The Canberra survey was conducted in February and March 2024. The major aim of the survey is to provide data on sexual health, drug use, testing practices, and prevention methods related to the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) among GBQ+ men and non-binary people. Since 2000, the survey has been funded by ACT Health and recruitment facilitated by Meridian (formerly the AIDS Action Council of the ACT). The Centre for Social Research in Health coordinates the survey nationally, with support from the Kirby Institute.

Each year, the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) provides a snapshot of what HIV looks like in Australia. This resource, provides the most up to date epidemiological data in the form of an infographic.

Key Points:

• Data represents an overall decline in the number of HIV notifications of 48% over the last 10 years.
• There has been a 38% reduction in HIV notifications since 2019*
• Agenda 2025 elimination target: 90% reduction from 2010, or 91 cases.
• Most HIV transmission today occurs where one partner has HIV but does not know it.

Each year, the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) provides a snapshot of what HIV looks like in Australia. This resource, provides the most up to date epidemiological data in the form of an infographic.

Key points:

HIV in Australia 2022 reflects some of the many impacts of COVID-19, including disruptions to testing and prevention.

• HIV notifications have declined by 37% in Australia since 2016.
• COVID-19 disruptions – including less HIV testing – have contributed to the dramatic drop in HIV notifications in 2020.
• Most HIV transmission today occurs where one partner has HIV but does not know it. We must urgently restore testing rates to pre-pandemic levels.

The history of the successful response to HIV in New South Wales is a testament to the effectiveness and strength of the community’s response and the understanding shown by policy makers, researchers, politicians and other health professionals to work in partnership with affected communities. This partnership has been at the core of the world leading response and has meant that NSW has been able to respond to HIV more effectively than many other places around the world.

At the centre of this partnership has been our communities and the peer workers who have dedicated countless hours and much energy in responding to HIV and in supporting and caring for each other.

An HIV Self-Test is an HIV test you can perform yourself in the privacy of your own home or wherever you feel comfortable. The HIV Self-Test available in Australia is discrete, accurate and easy to use.

The HIV Self-Test is a small cartridge containing a paper test strip. It is similar in size and shape to a USB drive. Included in the HIV Self-Test pack will be an HIV Self-Test cartridge, a set of instructions, a bottle of test fluid (which is added along with a blood sample), and a disposal bag. The pack contains a Care Card, which includes a list of contacts in case you have questions or concerns about the test or your test result.

If you are living with HIV and you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you may be thinking about breastfeeding your baby, and whether it is safe or advisable.
The information in this community resource is provided for women who are living with HIV and want to understand the issues around breastfeeding or formula feeding.

For more information about this resource and other resources for Women Living With HIV, visit: https://napwha.org.au/resource/breastfeeding/

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (including trans men who have sex with men) are a priority population group for STIs and HIV. GP's, nurses, and other medical practitioners have an essential role in looking after their health.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a time for all of us to remember the many lives lost of HIV and AIDS. The first memorial event was held in 1983 and since then there have been thousands of events across the world.

This year the event was held at Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre and the guest speaker was Clara Tuck Meng Soo. Dr Soo received her medical training at Cambridge University and King’s College London. She worked for several years in the UK before migrating to Australia in 1989. In 2002 she became Practice Principal of IGP and Hobart Place General Practice.