Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message.

OCTOBER 2016 – Scroll down for Updates from the 10th Australasian Viral HepatitisConference, Sector News, Available Resources, Upcoming Courses, Details of Forthcoming

Conferences + more

ASHM NEWSHealth workforce stigma and discriminationundermining hepatitis C success

29 September: New national reports released todayfrom the 10th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conferenceshow that despite Australia’s great progress towardseliminating hepatitis C, stigma and discrimination byhealth workers is a barrier preventing many at riskfrom coming forward for diagnosis and care. Readmore

Launch of Third National Hepatitis B MappingProject 2014­15 29 September: The Third National Hepatitis BMapping Project Report 2014­15 released today atthe 10th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference hasprovided valuable insight into how Australian PrimaryHealth Networks (PHNs) are tracking in meeting thediagnosis, monitoring and treatment goals of hepatitisB by 2017 set out by the Australian GovernmentDepartment of Health. The Report, which is a projectpartnership between ASHM and the DohertyInstitute, can be used to monitor the impact ofinitiatives to increase treatment uptake andappropriate care for people with CHB. Read more

'Re­thinking Sexual Health' conference promises cutting­edge research, innovativeeducation ideas + lively debate

The registration date to join a multi­disciplinary delegation at the 2016 Australasian Sexual Health Conference(14–16 November, Adelaide, Australia) is closing soon on 28 October. The program promises an exciting annualget­together for anyone in the sexual health community – clinicians, researchers, educators, allied healthprofessionals and interested community members. This year’s theme of Re­thinking Sexual Health invitesparticipants to think outside the square, and will provide a stimulating environment in which to share ideas onany aspect of sexual health. Anticipate cutting­edge research, innovative education ideas, and above all, livelydebate! Read more

Support the premier HIV+AIDS Conference advancing knowledge and scientific +community collaborations in Australia and the Asia + Pacific region

For anyone working in the HIV health sector, joining the 2016 Australasian HIV & AIDS Conference (14–16November, Adelaide, Australia) and its top­rated educational program with world­renowned speakers is a must.Learn about new research findings in the sector and increase your knowledge to develop new work practices. This3­day conference is a key opportunity to network and form important collaborations with hundreds of the key peopleworking in HIV in Australasia – keeping you informed of who’s who and of potential opportunities. Registrations areclosing soon on 28 October. To glance at some of the selected speakers and program highlights that shouldn't bemissed – Read more

SECTOR NEWSAustralia sees groundbreaking roll­out of Hep Ccure, but enhanced prevention efforts still neededto drive down new infections

29 September: According to a new report from theKirby Institute at UNSW Australia, released at the10th Australasian Viral Hepatitis 2016 Conferencetoday, Australia is on track to cure more people ofhepatitis C in 2016 alone than in the past 20 years,but the rate of new infection remains steady,highlighting a need for enhanced focus on preventionefforts. Read more

The job is far from done: Record numbersaccessing hepatitis C treatment but who ismissing out?

29 September: A mistrust of the health system andongoing stigma from health workers against injectingdrug users are two significant barriers that could

prevent people living with hepatitis C from accessingand continuing life­saving treatment, according to anew report by UNSW’s Centre for Social Researchreleased today at the 10th Australasian Viral Hepatitis2016 Conference. It found that some sections of thecommunity are unaware that a cure is now availablefor hepatitis C. Read more

No Treatment, No Elimination Says NewResearch: People who use drugs hold key toending hepatitis C

Global health experts are calling for the removal ofrestrictions preventing people who use drugs fromaccessing new hepatitis C cures. So long as theserestrictions exist, the goal of disease elimination willremain out of reach, they say. They are gathered inOslo for the 5th International Symposium on HepatitisCare in Substance Users, where new researchcontinues to highlight not just the pivotal roletreatment for people who use drugs plays in reducinghepatitis C transmission, but also how it can be rolledout to achieve best results. Read more

Prisons Could Unlock Hepatitis C Free Future Treatment in prisons a public health priority, saysnew research

Prisons provide one of the most significantopportunities to drive down the prevalence of hepatitisC, and help reach global WHO elimination goals, saysnew research presented at the 5th InternationalSymposium on Hepatitis Care in Substance Users.Read more

Health professionals invited to participate onanonymous survey on experiences of stigma anddiscrimination

The Centre for Social Research in Health at theUniversity of New South Wales aims to examineattitudes and experiences of Australian healthprofessionals who work with people living with bloodborne viruses and/or sexually transmissible infections.Input from this project will feed directly back into thenational strategies addressing BBVs/STIs, andultimately these findings could be used to help reducethe negative impacts of stigma and discrimination onthe health of people living with BBVs/STIs. Thesurvey will close on 31 October. Go to the survey

Prestigious 2016 Frank Fenner Award for HeidiDrummer

The Deputy Head of Burnet Institute’s Centre forBiomedical Research, Associate Professor HeidiDrummer has been recognised with Burnet Institute’sprestigious Frank Fenner Award for her landmarkresearch into hepatitis C. Associate ProfessorDrummer’s laboratory conducts studies into HCV witha special focus on the development of a vaccine.Read more

10 years on, HPV vaccine halves cervical cancer rates | Amy Mitchell­Whittington via The Age

29 August: The world's first cancer vaccine, developed in Queensland, will celebrate it's 10th anniversary onMonday as its co­creator continues his battle to end cervical cancer. The first Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinewas administered in Australia on August 29, 2006 and has since managed to protect against 70 per cent of allcervical cancers in women. Read more

Hepatitis NSW invites you to tell the PBAC why new pan­genotypic treatment, Epclusa, should be madeavailable in Australia to treat people with hepatitis C

New Direct Acting Anti­viral treatments were funded on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 March2016. These treatments cure 95% of people in just 12 weeks with minimal side­effects, but interferon free treatmentis still not available for genotypes 4, 5 and 6. Also complex treatment regimens for different genotypes may limit thecapacity of GPs to treat everyone with hepatitis C. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) issoon to consider whether the following new combination treatments for hep C should be made available on the PBSto people in Australia living with hep C. Have your say before 5 October on why these new treatments are soimportant. Read + find out more

RESOURCES

Primary Care Providers and Hepatitis C isan updated booklet including information on thehepatitis C virus, the natural history of HCV, and astraightforward 12 step plan for the management ofHCV and treatment protocols with the new directacting antiviral (DAAs) medications. Download theresource

The Nurses and Hepatitis C profession­basedbooklet provides education about: the disease and itsprevention; lifestyle and psychosocial factors; testingand diagnosis; support during treatment; resourcesand referral to support services.

It is aligned with the Australasian HepatologyAssociation's ‘Consensus­based Nursing Guidelinesfor the Care of Patients with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C,Advanced Liver Disease and HepatocellularCarcinoma'. Download the resource

The Australian recommendations for themanagement of hepatitis C virus infection: aconsensus statement 2016, is now accessible as anApp, available for download via Google Play and theApple iTunes Store. It is also available as a websiteresource. This resource provides guidance ondiagnosis, assessment, monitoring and the use ofnew treatments for hepatitis C. Read More

HCV New Treatments Quick Reference Tool

This two­page quick reference guide assists healthprofessionals to decide which new direct actingantiviral hepatitis C treatment regimen is mostappropriate for their patient. Download the resource

The Second edition of the Post­ExposureProphylaxis after Non­Occupational andOccupational Exposure to HIV: AustralianNational Guidelines is now available. Theseguidelines outline the management of individuals whohave been exposed (or suspect they have beenexposed) to HIV in non­occupational and occupationalsettings. There are currently no data from randomisedcontrolled trials of the use of post­exposureprophylaxis (PEP) and evidence for use has beenextrapolated from animal data, mother to childtransmission, occupational exposure and smallprospective studies of PEP regimens in HIV­negativemen. Download the resource or visit the website

ASHM COURSES – OCTOBER to DECEMBER

ASHM Training available for a broad range of clinicians, not just general practitioners. On offer is a range oftraining courses and format for clinicians at all levels who are seeking to up skill in HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis Bmanagement. While GPs usually make up the majority of participants in our courses, sexual health physicians, AoDand general physicians as well as ID physicians who might be wanting to update their viral hepatitis skills areencouraged to attend. Nurses working in hepatitis are also able to attend these, in addition to courses inthe Nursing Program.

Our courses are accredited by Colleges and so build to your regular CME/QACPD and professional standardsrequirements. For more information on ASHM Courses, please contact education@ashm.org.au or+61 2 8204 0796

Click on the links below to see a list of ASHM accredited Continuing Professional Development training and coursesto be delivered nationally in 2016:

HIV and STI Courses [PDF]Hepatitis B and C Courses [PDF]ASHM Courses in QLD [PDF]Hepatitis B Webinar Series (6 Parts)Hepatitis C Webinar Series (6 Parts)

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings5 October 2016Biala Seminar Room, Brisbane North QLDInfo & Register

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings11 October 2016Rydges Hobart, Hobart TASNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B webinar series: Complex Chronic Hepatitis B ­ Part 212 October 2016 | 6:00­6:30pmOnline WebinarInfo & Register

Update in Hepatitis B for primary care practitioners who see clients from a Vietnamese background12 October 2016Liberty Palace, Bankstown NSWInfo & Register

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings13 October 2016Atura Blacktown, NSWInfo & Register

Chronic Hepatitis C: Curing Hepatitis C in 201619 October 2016Moree Town & Country Club, Moree NSWInfo & Register

Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course19 October 2016Pullman King George Square, Brisbane QLDInfo + Register

Hepatitis C New Treatments Course19 October 2016Mantra on the Esplanade, Darwin NTNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Myths, Microbes and Medicine – Or why the toilet seat doesn’t rate for STIs

19 October 2016City Beach Function Centre, Wollongong NSWInfo + Register

Hepatitis B: Advanced Management in Primary Care20­21 October 2016Doubletree, Alice Springs NTNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis C New Treatments Course22 October 2016Mantra on the Esplanade, Darwin NTNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course23 October 2016National Convention Centre, Canberra ACTNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings25 October 2016Rendezvous Melbourne, Melbourne VICInfo + Register

HBV Prescriber Update (Gilead Funded)26 October 2016Adina Hotel, Adelaide SANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HBV Prescriber Update27 October 2016Mantra on the Esplande, Darwin NTInfo + Register

Management of Viral Hepatitis in Primary Health Care29 October 2016Glen Hotel, Brisbane QLDNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Introduction to the Nursing Care and Management of patients with Advanced Liver DiseasePresented by Australasian Hepatology Association (AHA)Surry Hills, Sydney NSW29 October 2016Info & Register

Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course1 November 2016Mt Gambier SANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HIV + STI Testing: Breaking Down the Barriers to Testing1 November 2016Wellington AMS, Wellington NSWNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Update in Hepatitis B for primary care practitioners2 November 2016Sydney NSWNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber course5 November 2016Perth WANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HIV s100 Prescriber course5­6 November 2016Melbourne VICNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings7 November 2016Perth WANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B webinar series: Complex Chronic Hepatitis B ­ Part 38 November 2016 | 6:00­6:30pmOnline WebinarInfo & Register

One day course in new HCV Treatments13 November 2016Adelaide SANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HIV s100 Prescriber course15, 19 November 2016

Rydges Adelaide, Adelaide SANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings16 November 2016Quality Inn Ambassador Hotel, Orange NSWNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings17 November 2016Dubbo Community MHDA Centre, Dubbo NSWNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course19 November 2016Pullman King George Square, Brisbane QLDNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course19 November 2016Mt Gambier SANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Chronic Hepatitis C: Curing Hepatitis C in 201622 November 2016Nambour QLDNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Prevent Liver Cancer: Update in hepatitis B22 November 2016Moretti Ristorante Pizzeria, Leichhardt NSWNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings24 November 2016Adelaide SANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HIV s100 Community Prescriber Course26 November 201652 Billabong Rd, Stafford, Brisbane QLDNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HIV Prescriber Update28 November 201652 Billabong Rd, Stafford, Brisbane QLDNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HBV Prescriber Update29 November 2016Perth WANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HIV Prescriber Update29 November 2016Townsville QLDNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Preparing Patients for Interferon­free Treatment for Hepatitis C in Drug and Alcohol Settings29 November 2016Townsville QLDNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HBV Prescriber Update (Gilead funded)30 November 2016Doubletree, Alice Springs NTNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B Nursing: Preventing Liver Cancer in Primary Care30 November 2016Perth WAInfo + Register

Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber CourseNovember 2016 (Date TBC)Chatswood Sydney NSWNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber CourseNovember 2016 (Date TBC)Perth WANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

HBV Prescriber UpdateNovember 2016 (Date TBC)Perth WANote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Management of Viral Hepatitis in Primary Health Care ­ Refugee & Migrant health

1 December 2016Brisbane QLDNote: For expressions of interest of this course, please contact education@ashm.org.au

Hepatitis B webinar series: Complex Chronic Hepatitis B ­ Part 46 December 2016 | 6:00­6:30pmOnline WebinarRegister + Info

Seeking expressions of interest Australia­wide forViral Hepatitis Mentoring Program

ASHM invites all health professions working the areaof viral hepatitis to be part of its Mentoring Program –a continuing professional development program thataims to strengthen collaborations between tertiaryand primary care (mentors and mentees) throughone­to­one relationships, and to enhance patient­centered continuity of care.

ASHM will continue to roll­out the launch of thisprogram in Western Australia, South Australia,Victoria, and Queensland in 2016. Visit the websitefor frequently asked questions. Register your interestnow via education@ashm.org.au or call BeniFalemaka on (02) 82040739

Are you providing care for patients with chronichepatitis B?

With the end of the 2014­2016 trienniumapproaching, we encourage you to considercompleting the 'Hepatitis B: Clinical ManagementAudit' as part of your QI&CPD attracting 40 RACGPAudit Points. This online learning module + auditaims to help to address some of the main issues inthe management of Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) andto improve links between general practice +specialist services. Go to ASHM's online learningplatform

ASHM Course Evaluation transitions to onlineformat

For attendees of ASHM training continuingprofessional development (CPD) courses andtraining, please be notified that post­courseevaluation can now be completed online via personalcomputer, tablet or smartphone. ASHM appreciatesthe ongoing cooperation in the completion of post­course evaluations as a mandatory requirement ofattending ASHM training. Read more

HIV and hepatitis C pre­ and post­test discussion course9, 10, 16 + 17 November 2016Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), La Trobe University, Melbourne VICInfo + Register

This comprehensive accreditation program is designed to equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skillsto engage in pre­ and post­ HIV and hepatitis C antibody test discussion, and prevention education, in a range ofsettings. For further information, please contact BBV­Program@latrobe.edu.au or (03) 9479 8715 or (03) 9479 8831

Do Definitions Matter? Data, Law and Decision­Making in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights4 October 2016 | 5.30pm ­ 6.00pm (Reception) | 6.00pm ­ 7.00pm (Lecture)Galleries 1 & 2, John Niland Scientia Building, UNSW, Kensington NSWInfo + Register

This free public lecture hosted by the UNSW Practical Justice Initiative and the Australian Human Rights Centre,presents Professor Sofia Gruskin (University of Southern California) speaking on sexual rights – particularly the

definitions and standards promoted by health and development organisations, human rights bodies, governmentsand advocates – and how they are reflective of larger political currents and social movements locally and at globallevel.

CONFERENCESFinding relevant medical conferences and events made easyHealthcarelink.com.au has launched a new online platform for medical and healthcare professionals to accessall CPD based conferences and courses information in one place. The platform offers all healthcare and medicalprofessionals the opportunity to register their profile with preferred topics and location. The system will sendalerts as matching events and courses are offered around Australia and overseas. Sign up online

Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs 2016 Conference | 30 September­2October 2016Four Points by Sheraton, Sydney NSWVisit the website

Rural Medicine Australia | 20­22 October 2016Canberra ACTVisit the website

The Kirby Institute Symposium 2016 | 3 November 2016Sir John Niland Scientia Building, UNSW KensingtonVisit the website

55th Australian Society for Medical Research National Scientific Conference | 13­15 November 2016Gold Coast QLDVisit the website

Australasian Sexual Health 2016 Conference14­16 November 2016 | Adelaide, SARegister Now

Australasian HIV/AIDS 2016 Conference16­18 November 2016 | Adelaide, SARegister Now National Symposium on Hepatitis B & C | 26 November 2016St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne VICVisit the website

26th Conference of Asian Pacific Association forthe Study of the Liver (APASL 2017)15­19 February 2017 | Shanghai, ChinaCall for Abstracts ­ Submission Due Date: 15 October 2016Visit the website

Deadly Sex Congress19­20 October 2016 | George Williams Hotel,Brisbane, QLD

The Deadly Sex Congress is an annual forum forIndigenous Sexual Health Workers from acrossQueensland to update their knowledge, buildworkforce capacity and share their stories. Topics willinclude healthy relationships, BBV/STIs, contacttracing, HIV treatment as prevention, how to designand deliver Deadly programs and special sessions onMen's and Women's business. Read more

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIESGates Cambridge Scholarship ­ Non­ US Scholars­Life Sciences | Deadline: 7th December 2016

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme wasestablished in October 2000 by a donation ofUS$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundationto the University of Cambridge; this is the largest eversingle donation to a UK university. Gates Cambridgeconsiders applications from citizens from outside theUnited Kingdom who wish to pursue a full­timepostgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.Applications will open on 5 September 2016 for entryin October 2017. Read more on separate programsfor Non­ US Scholars and US scholars

A selection of ASHM's conference and course presentations, and related educational videos, are available forviewing free on VIMEO

Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis

and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)

Locked Bag 5057 | Darlinghurst NSW 1300

Level 7, 46­56 Kippax Street Surry Hills NSW 2010

T: +61 2 8204 0700 F: +61 2 9212 2382

E: ashm@ashm.org.au W: www.ashm.org.au

ABN 48 264 545 457 CFN 17788

You are receiving this email because you are an ASHM member or an affiliate through the organisational memberprogram. Unsubscribe from eNews.