The peak national body representing Australians with HIV/AIDS has welcomed the government’s renewed commitment to developing a 5th National HIV/AIDS strategy, focused on fighting HIV infection and its effects in the community. The President, David Menadue, said NAPWA also looked forward to working with Associate Professor Michael Wooldridge, appointed as Chair of the new Ministerial Advisory Structure.

“As Health Minister, Professor Wooldridge demonstrated a great personal commitment to not only fighting and preventing HIV, but importantly, was sensitive to the real needs of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.” He was a great supporter to NAPWA and its membership, “Menadue said.

“He also has a great deal of experience with the global context of HIV, an important perspective to bring to the table if you are going to head up a robust and meaningful national response in Australia. We look forward to working with Professor Wooldridge to ensure that Australia’s response to HIV/AIDS retains sharpness, passion and strategic intelligence.”

Menadue also welcomed comments from Federal Health Minister, Kay Patterson, yesterday, that she believed there needed to be a stronger focus on the diverse needs of HIV positive people, including not only physical, but mental and emotional health. “The Minister has clearly taken to heart some of the issues raised by NAPWA in our submission to the National Strategy Review,” he said. “We hope that this re-invigorated new structure will help to promote the development of prompt and focused policies and approaches to the challenges of managing the epidemic, and supporting those living with HIV/AIDS.”

NAPWA was looking forward to working productively with the new Chair of the HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmissible Infections Committee, Professor Frank Bowden, and was also pleased to support the appointments of both Professor Robert Batey (to chair the Hepatitis C and Other Hepatides Committee) and Professor Cindy Shannon (to chair the Indigenous Australians Sexual Health Committee).

Menadue also acknowledged the commitment and contribution of the former Chair of the Australian National Council on AIDS, Hepatitis C and Related Diseases.

“Chris Puplick contributed enormously to raising an awareness of the social and community dimensions of HIV/AIDS and hep C — in particular in some areas where others have been more squeamish, like advocacy for better policies around HIV and hep C in prisons, and the need for sensible public health programmes dealing with injecting drug use in communities.”

Contacts:

• David Menadue, NAPWA President – 0412 753 338
• Jo Watson, NAPWA Executive Officer — 02 9557 8825

ENDS