The HIV Roundtable event was held on 10 August 2023, at Canterbury Hurlstone-Park RSL. The event brought together health professionals, multicultural community leaders and Ministry of Health staff to create a platform for share knowledge and community perspectives, with the goal of improving access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment for CALD communities. 

The discussions were lively and informative, and emphasised the need to bundle HIV information with broader health information; optimise on partnerships with faith leaders and CALD community leaders; unite health services; address accessibility, confidentiality, and discretion concerns around HIV.

 Watch the NSW HIV Roundtable highlights.

Population Health is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming 2023 Multicultural Health Week, taking place from September 4 to 10. This year, the focus is on embracing cultural diversity through the joy of physical movement under the theme "Every Move Counts."

The campaign aims to highlight key health programs that promote physical activity and well-being within the African, Arabic-speaking, Bangla, Chinese-speaking, Indonesian, Italian, Mongolian, Nepali, and Vietnamese communities residing in the Sydney Local Health District.

Highlighted Services:

•    Stepping On Program: This evidence-based, seven-week program is tailored for individuals at risk of falls or those who have experienced falls in the past year. Available in multiple languages, it aims to prevent falls in older community members. Click here

•    Chronic Pain Management Program: Designed to empower participants in understanding and managing chronic pain, this program enhances life quality and emotional well-being through self-management skills. Sessions are available in Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Click here

•    Nutrition and Healthy Eating Education: Culturally tailored nutrition sessions are provided by Diversity Programs and Strategy Hub to improve the nutrition knowledge of adults aged 60 and above. Available in multiple languages, these sessions aim to prevent chronic diseases and support healthy aging. Click here

•    Healthy and Active for Life Program Delivery Training: Physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and fitness professionals can partake in training to facilitate the Healthy and Active for Life program. The program explores the connection between healthy aging, culture, and movement. Click here

Join us during the 2023 Multicultural Health Week as we celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity within our communities, embracing the power of movement for a healthier, more connected future.

This year's World Hepatitis Day on July 28 is dedicated to the theme "We're Not Waiting," urging immediate action to combat hepatitis globally. The Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS) is supporting the cause by promoting the booklet "Hepatitis B. It's Family Business," available in multiple languages for diverse communities.

Professor Benjamin Cowie from the Australian WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis emphasizes the urgency of hepatitis B testing, as many people may be unaware they have the condition. Without proper care, hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer, causing a death every 30 seconds worldwide.

Australia faces a significant hepatitis B challenge, with around 200,385 people living with chronic hepatitis B, predominantly among those born overseas. The "Are you living with hepatitis B? Find Out. Get Tested" campaign encourages diverse communities to prioritize liver health and get tested, offering information in various languages.

The campaign aims to empower individuals with culturally relevant knowledge to make informed choices and take action. Community members are urged to consult doctors for hepatitis B testing, and those with a Medicare card can access free testing. Individuals without a Medicare Card can contact NSW Health Sexual Health Clinics for free testing. All conversations with doctors remain confidential.

For more information on the campaign, contact Sonam Paljor on 0436 649 000 or email Bu e-Posta adresi istenmeyen posta engelleyicileri tarafından korunuyor. Görüntülemek için JavaScript etkinleştirilmelidir..

The Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS) is thrilled to commend Pozhet for its remarkable work over the last 30 years!

Pozhet has been a strong advocate driving a multitude of initiatives aimed at raising awareness about HIV and providing vital support to those living with the virus. Through the creation of many informative factsheets, captivating videos, and engaging animations like "One in Ten," "Heading Overseas," and "Heterosexuals and HIV: Visibility," Pozhet engages communities, breaking down stigma around HIV.  

One pivotal milestone has been when Pozhet and MHAHS supported each other to navigate the social media to reach the wider public. Together, we have harnessed the power of platforms such as Facebook, reaching wider communities and cultivating an environment of open dialogue, empathy, and support.

The impact of Pozhet's work reaches far beyond the printed page or the digital realm. It is their compassion and care that forms the foundation of their initiatives, creating safe spaces and empowering those affected by HIV. Their efforts have brought hope, comfort, and a sense of belonging to countless individuals, their families, and communities across the state.

As we celebrate Pozhet's remarkable 30-year commitment, MHAHS extends heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation for our invaluable partnership. We eagerly anticipate many more years of collaboration, as we continue to educate, support, and strive towards a society free from the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV. Here's to a bright future filled with shared achievements and improved well-being for all those living with HIV.