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Health Equity Matters

Health Equity Matters (formerly AFAO) is the national peak community-controlled organisation for the HIV community-led response and the peak body for the largest organisations in Australia who delivery primary health care services to LGBTIQA+ communities. The organisation is recognised both globally and nationally for leadership, policy expertise, health promotion, research translation and political advocacy.

In Australia, communities affected by HIV include gay and bisexual men, transgender and gender diverse people, people with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, sex workers, people who use illicit drugs, people from or who travel to high prevalence countries, and people in custodial settings.

Internationally, Health Equity Matters leads the development of effective policy and programmatic responses to HIV/AIDS at the global level, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Currently, Health Equity Matters operates programs across four countries in South East Asia to support the regional effort to virtually eliminate HIV transmission.

Health Equity Matters members include state-based members in each state and territory, and the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAPWA), the Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), the Anwernekenhe National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV/AIDS Alliance (ANA), and Scarlet Alliance, the Australian Sex Workers Association.

Vision and mission

The purpose of Health Equity Matters health promotion is to strengthen populations, communities and individuals so that they can enjoy health, well-being and a good quality of life as a way for achieving their potential in other parts of their lives.

Health Equity Matter's objectives and strengths are derived from its members and their communities. Accordingly, Health Equity Matters provides leadership by promoting, coordinating and supporting the shared goals of its members and the communities they represent in its endeavours.

How Health Equity Matters can help

Health Equity Matters provides a voice for communities affected by HIV/AIDS and leads the national conversation on HIV/AIDS.

Through advocacy, policy and health promotion, Health Equity Matters champions awareness, understanding and proactivity around HIV/AIDS and STI prevention, education, support and research.

Information / help lines

  • Call 02 9557 9399 for further information, Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: June 2023

Information from this partner

Found 7 results

Blood Donations - Health Equity Matters

Blood Donations: To minimise the risk of transmitting HIV and other blood-borne viruses via the blood supply, the Blood Service has policies restricting...

Read more on Health Equity Matters website

HIV in Australia - Health Equity Matters

Each year, Health Equity Matters (formerly AFAO) provides a snapshot of what HIV looks like in Australia. This resource, HIV in Australia, provides the most up to date epidemiological data in the form of a straightforward infographic.

Read more on Health Equity Matters website

Travel and Migration - Health Equity Matters

HIV, Travel and Migration: Many countries, including Australia, impose travel or migration restrictions on people living with HIV.

Read more on Health Equity Matters website

Living with HIV - Health Equity Matters

Living with HIV: The term ‘living with HIV’ is used to describe a positive diagnosis, because when a HIV positive person is on treatment, they can live...

Read more on Health Equity Matters website

Been Diagnosed with HIV? - Health Equity Matters

Getting tested for HIV is simple, quick & made convenient with multiple testing sites in cities across Australia as well through General Practitioners.

Read more on Health Equity Matters website

Getting Tested for HIV - Health Equity Matters

Getting tested for HIV is simple, quick & made convenient with multiple testing sites in cities across Australia as well through General Practitioners.

Read more on Health Equity Matters website

Having Children - Health Equity Matters

People with HIV who wish to have children may be concerned about transmitting HIV to their partner when trying to conceive, or to their baby. In Australia precautions can be taken that reduce these risks to almost zero.

Read more on Health Equity Matters website

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