National Gay Men's HIV Health Promotion Conference

The National Gay Men’s HIV Health Promotion Conference, hosted by AFAO, was held in Sydney in May. The conference theme, Rapid Change, Growing Promise, referred to recent developments in HIV prevention science and the opportunity to drive down HIV infections in Australia. Debate about the ‘prevention revolution’ was at times spirited. Considerable concern was also expressed at reductions in the funding of the HIV response in some states, particularly Queensland.

CSRH researchers were active participants in conference sessions and debates. Professor John de Wit, Director of CSRH, gave a plenary presentation about the need for evidence to plan behavioural and community interventions during the ‘prevention revolution’. Other CSRH staff spoke in a panel discussion about challenges and opportunities in the prevention revolution, including the need for political strategy (Professor Peter Aggleton), HIV treatment uptake in Australia (Dr Limin Mao) opportunities to increase HIV testing (Dr Martin Holt), and the case for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (Dean Murphy).

For details about conference debates and resolutions, please see the AFAO blog.