Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference – Sydney 2024

Pivotal Research and Networking Continues

The 2024 Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference is set to bring pivotal research and breakthroughs in HIV management to Australia, gathering experts from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Pacific on the 16th of September 2024. This premier event offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with peers and hear global insights on the latest advancements in HIV treatment and prevention. As we evaluate our progress against the global goals for eliminating HIV, this conference is a crucial platform for sharing best practices and innovative care strategies aimed at significantly reducing, and potentially eliminating, HIV transmission.

In Australia alone, significant strides have been made, with new HIV diagnoses having declined by 12% in the past five years. However, with an estimated 29,045 people living with HIV in Australia as of the end of 2018, the urgency to advance towards elimination remains pressing. This event promises to ignite collaborative efforts and inspire action towards making this goal achievable.

Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed gathering in the heart of Sydney on Gadigal Country this coming September.

ASHM

The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) is a peak organisation of health professionals in Australia and New Zealand who work in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), viral hepatitis, other blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections.

From its humble beginnings in 1988 at the Stockholm AIDS conference, ASHM has grown from a vital support network for frontline clinicians into a pivotal organisation encompassing all facets of HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexual health. Inspired by the urgent need for expert knowledge and unified action, ASHM was formed by visionary Australian clinicians who recognised the necessity of a dedicated society to support healthcare professionals in responding effectively to HIV. ASHM swiftly moved to host annual scientific conferences and collaborate with the Australian government, expanding its reach to include a broad spectrum of healthcare workers and professionals across various fields. By 1990, this dynamic society had incorporated, inviting New Zealand clinicians and various non-physicians to join their ranks, marking a significant step in fostering a multidisciplinary approach to HIV management.

The society’s impact deepened with the creation of the Health Maintenance and Monitoring Project, which coordinated the development of extensive educational resources for clinicians, community agencies, and people living with HIV. This initiative laid the foundation for ASHM’s National HIV Education Program for Doctors, significantly enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals across the region. ASHM’s proactive efforts continued with the publication of “Could it be HIV?” in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1993. This resource was crucial in equipping doctors nationwide with the knowledge to recognise and diagnose HIV effectively, addressing the critical issue of late diagnosis during a period when HIV management was exceptionally challenging and treatment options were limited.

The organisation didn’t stop there; it expanded its clinical interests to include hepatitis C and sexual health, reflecting the evolving needs of its members and the communities they serve. ASHM’s pioneering spirit has been instrumental in developing partnerships that integrate affected communities, health consumers, clinicians, researchers, and government bodies. This collaborative approach, which was groundbreaking at the time for HIV, was later extended to hepatitis C and sexual health, showcasing ASHM’s commitment to addressing public health challenges through united efforts. Today, ASHM continues to be a beacon for medical professionals, offering a wealth of resources and support, driving advancements in healthcare, and advocating for the needs of both patients and practitioners in the ever-changing landscape of public health.

Going Back to Back

The Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference and the 25th IUSTI World Congress are coming together in an extraordinary back-to-back event. Enjoy the benefit of discounted joint-registration rates and immerse yourself in the leading-edge of research and development in HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

Founded in 1923, the International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) is the world’s oldest international organisation dedicated to the control of sexually transmitted diseases, including the increasingly critical area of HIV/AIDS. IUSTI is not only focused on the medical facets but also deeply involved in the social and epidemiological aspects of disease control. Holding a prestigious spot on the Roster of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and recognised as an Official Non-Government Organisation by the World Health Organisation, IUSTI is at the forefront of global health advocacy.

IUSTI operates as a UK-registered charity free from political, religious, or social affiliations, and is structured around a central executive supported by regional directors from across the globe. This diverse leadership is complemented by an executive board of senior international experts in STDs, enhancing its global perspective and actions. Membership in IUSTI is inclusive, welcoming individuals from all professional backgrounds interested in combating sexually transmitted diseases—no medical qualification necessary. Organisations and sponsors focused on STD study and control are also encouraged to join our vibrant community.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a pivotal gathering that promises to advance our fight against STDs and HIV. For registration to either of the events, see the event listing here: https://app.medcpd.com/courses/4111