HIV/AIDS update to be broadcast
December 31, 2007A new Rural Health Education Foundation program takes a look at recent advances in HIV/AIDS, and will be broadcast live on Tuesday 29th January 2008, with a repeat at 12.30pm on Friday 1 February.
HIV/AIDS update: Holding the Ramparts, sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing, reviews the changing epidemiology, treatment advances and personal aspects of living with HIV/AIDS, with a particular focus on rural and remote Australia.
Featuring a panel of experts
Chaired by Dr Norman Swan, presenter of the Health Report on ABC Radio National, the panel includes:
- Professor Sharon Lewin, Director, Infectious Diseases Unit, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne & Past President, Australasian Society for HIV Medicines
- Dr Miriam Grotowski, General Practitioner, Tamworth, NSW
- Mr Russell Levy, Pharmacist, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney
- Mr Rob Lake, CEO, People living with HIV/AIDS NSW
A rural viewpoint
Compared to metropolitan areas, HIV/AIDS appears to be relatively less common in Australian rural and remote settings. Nevertheless, information from practitioners, people living with HIV/AIDS and limited studies indicate that there are a number of issues which make life particularly difficult for people living with HIV/AIDS in rural and remote Australia. These include disease prevalence, access to medication and support services and the perceptions of the general population.
The program has been prepared with assistance from the Australasian Society of HIV Medicine (ASHM). The CEO of ASHM, Ms Levinia Crooks states that “Rural health care professionals play a pivotal role in the care of HIV positive clients. Continuing advances in testing, management and treatment of HIV necessitates ongoing education and easy access to HIV Models of Care. ASHM proudly supports the provision of programs designed to enhance the level of HIV care provided in the rural setting.”
Broadcast details
The live program airs on the Foundation’s satellite network at 8pm (AEDST) on Tuesday 29 January, with a repeat at 8.00pm in Western Australia that same night, and a second repeat on 12.30pm on Friday 1 February. Following the initial broadcast, it will also be available for video web-streaming and audio pod-casting through the Foundation’s website, as well as for purchase on DVD and video.
More information
For full details of the program, visit the HIV/AIDS update: Holding the Ramparts program page or contact the Foundation.