ASHM

09/06/2026

Have a story, project, or initiative to share? Expressions of interest to present at the 2026 *xCongress are open now! ❤️🖤💛💚💙

If you’re an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker working in s*xual health, BBVs, STIs, or community health, this is your chance to share the work you have been doing within your community.

All topics and presentation formats are welcome.

*x2026 is taking place from the 21 - 22 October 2026 in Meanjin (Brisbane). Registration is FREE! Complimentary accommodation is available and subject to committee approval upon registration.

Find out more and submit your EOI at: https://buff.ly/8jdQdgy

05/06/2026

June 5 is HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day.

Today we honour long-term survivors of HIV and recognise their needs, challenges and journeys.

To discover why this day of observance it is held on June 5, head to NAPWHA’s website here: https://napwha.org.au/long-term-survivors-awareness-day-2026/

Scarlet Alliance - Australian S*x Workers Association | Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League - AIVL | Queensland Council for LGBTI Health - QC | ACON | Meridian ACT | TasCAHRD | Thorne Harbour Health | SAMESH | WAAC | NTAHC

04/06/2026

HIV cases are rising rapidly across the Pacific.

In Fiji, more than 1,200 people were diagnosed with HIV in the first six months of 2025. In Papua New Guinea, a national HIV crisis has been declared.

In response, the inaugural will bring together healthcare workers, policymakers and community leaders from across the region to develop a coordinated response.

We need your support. Every donation will help healthcare workers attend this crucial meeting by covering travel, accommodation and registration costs.

Together, we can support those working to stop the spread of HIV and improve health outcomes across the Pacific.

Donate now at: https://buff.ly/wxd2u55
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

04/06/2026

HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day is tomorrow - a valuable opportunity to recognise the resilience, advocacy, and lived experiences of people who have lived through decades of the HIV epidemic.

Preserving these stories matter.

NAPWHA Tracing Our Memories Database is creating a comprehensive record of historical materials relating to people living with HIV, helping ensure these important histories remain accessible for future generations.

Today, we honour the past and acknowledge the ongoing contributions of people living with HIV to the response.

Access the database at: https://buff.ly/YkBEvG7

02/06/2026

Chlamydia, Australia’s most reported communicable disease, is often asymptomatic - making contact tracing essential for preventing re-infection and reducing transmission.

Swipe through to learn about contact tracing for chlamydia, why it matters and how healthcare providers can help support patients through the process ➡️

Access ASHM's STI Guidelines to find out more: https://sti.guidelines.org.au/s*xually-transmissible-infections/chlamydia/

01/06/2026

Groundbreaking new research is changing the way we understand and treat Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)! 🚨🔬

In one of the most significant breakthroughs in decades, BV is now considered to be s*xually transmissible - making male-partner treatment a vital consideration.

The landmark study, led by Professor Catriona Bradshaw and Dr Lenka Vodstrcil at the Melbourne S*xual Health Centre, found that concurrent partner treatment significantly reduced BV recurrence in heteros*xual couples.

The findings have already led to updates in the Australian STI Management Guidelines for use in Primary Care, which now outlines how and when to treat partners of people with BV.

We spoke to Professor Bradshaw about how this discovery has revolutionised BV treatment recommendations. Read the full article at: https://buff.ly/hXz5GL5

01/06/2026

The HIV Futures survey is Australia’s largest and longest-running survey monitoring the needs and experiences of people living with HIV. The new HIV Futures Impact Report highlights the substantial contribution of these insights in promoting progress across Australian policy, healthcare, and advocacy for people living with HIV.

HIV Futures is run by the Australian Research Centre in S*x, Health and Society, La Trobe University. ASHM is proud to be a partner of the HIV Futures survey alongside NAPWHA and Health Equity Matters.

29/05/2026

New research from La Trobe University found that 41% of surveyed s*xually active young people did not know where to find a doctor for STI testing, and only 12% had ever had an STI test. With rates of STIs like syphilis rising to record levels, it is vital that healthcare professionals are proactive and confident talking to young people about their s*xual health.
https://buff.ly/xMR7kcX

ASHM’s free, online S*xual Health Care for Young People provides healthcare professionals with resources and strategies to communicate openly about s*xual health with young people and break down barriers to accessing s*xual healthcare services. Access the on-demand learning module at the link in the comments.

A long-running survey of Australian teens has identified falling condom use and unwanted s*x as major concerns for young people starting relationships.

29/05/2026

A fantastic day of learning on Gadigal Land (Sydney) last week for our 'Viral Hepatitis for Nurses and Midwives' in-person course✨📚️

Participants explored key updates in viral hepatitis care, practical approaches to testing and treatment, and the important role nurses and midwives play in improving patient outcomes and reducing stigma.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! 💛

28/05/2026

Amongst record high cases of syphilis in Australia, nurses are central to turning the tide on this escalating public health concern.

Learn about integrating the latest recommendations around proactive syphilis testing and treatment into your nursing practice in this article from the April issue of Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union's InScope journal.

Read: https://buff.ly/IxjELNO