Resource, education & support
Resource Hub
Education Package
Media Kit
Service Hub
Glossary
HIV
Booklet: HIV What You Need to Know
Factsheet: HIV Clinical Concierge Program
Video: DBS testing demonstration
Other information
Booklet: HIV What You Need to Know
The multilingual booklet, HIV. What you need to know, summarises the most current information on HIV, connecting community members with health service providers in NSW.
Available in eight languages, the free booklet was developed in consultation with our communities.
Click on the language to view or download.
To order free hard copies, click here to fill in the order form online.
Factsheet: HIV Clinical Concierge Program
| Our HIV Clinical Concierge Program provides support to people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, who are living with HIV. Click to read the factsheet to know more about our free and confidential service. |
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| For service provider | For client |
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| If you are a service provider, please use the e-referral form to refer your patient. | |
Click on the language to view or download.
Video: DBS testing demonstration
The video demonstrates how to order a free Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing kit online and do a DBS test in the comfort of your own home to test for HIV and hepatitis C.
Click on the language to view or download.
Other information
Pozhet resources
Read the factsheets developed by Pozhet, in partnership with NSW MHAHS, to learn more about:
- ageing and HIV
- HIV and relationships
- HIV and having a baby.
NSW Health website
Find more HIV factsheets, data, and additional information on NSW Health website.
Hepatitis B
Brochure
Poster
Booklet: Hepatitis B It’s Family Business
Other information
Brochure
Multilingual brochures
English
Arabic
Bangla
Chinese (Simplified)
Korean
Samoan
Tongan
Vietnamese
Click on the language to view or download.
To order free hard copies, click here to fill in the order form online.
Poster
Multilingual poster (A4 size)
English: cross-cultural
English: African
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Korean
Vietnamese
Booklet: Hepatitis B It’s Family Business
Other information
Hepatitis NSW
Find more resources on hepatitis B and liver health on Hepatitis NSW website.
NSW Health
Access factsheets, data, and more on NSW Health website.
Hepatitis C
Booklet
Video: Lived experience series
Video: DBS testing demonstration
Other information
Booklet
A new multilingual hepatitis C booklet will be coming soon.
Video: Lived experience series
Arabic
Bassam is a 40-year-old man, who was born in Iraq. He came to Australia in 2013.
I was diagnosed with hepatitis C when I was 20 years old. I found out through a routine blood test in Iraq.
I don’t really know how I got it, but I think it might have been from a blood transfusion I had as a child.
Chinese (Mandarin)
Ling was 20 years old when she came to Australia from mainland China. She came here with her husband. That was in 2010. While here, she had 2 children.
I first found out I had hepatitis C during my first pregnancy. I was living in Australia, and I was shocked as I didn’t know how I got the virus.
Vietnamese
Hanh is in her 60’s. She was born in Vietnam. She and her husband came to Australia as refugees. She has been living here for 32 years.
In 2006, I found out I had hepatitis C after a blood test at my GP. I went to the GP for a general check-up and was offered the hepatitis B vaccination. I asked about testing for other types of hepatitis. When the test for hepatitis C was positive, I was very surprised because I had never felt unwell.
MHAHS would like to acknowledge the courage of the people whose stories are told in these videos. The stories are drawn from a wide cross section of migrant and refugee experiences. Some actors were used in presenting these stories to protect the identity of the persons who gave us their stories.
Video: DBS testing demonstration
The video demonstrates how to order a free Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing kit online and do a DBS test in the comfort of your own home to test for HIV and hepatitis C.
Click on the language to view or download.
Other information
Hepatitis NSW
Find more resources on hepatitis B and liver health on Hepatitis NSW website.
NSW Health
Access factsheets, data, and more on NSW Health website.
Sexual health
Factsheet: Syphilis in pregnancy
Factsheet: Syphilis can affect everybody
Factsheet: Syphilis testing & treatment
Factsheet: Women and Syphilis
Video: postnatal contraception
Other information
Factsheet: Syphilis in pregnancy
Click on the language to view or download.
Factsheet: Syphilis can affect everybody
Click on the language to view or download.
Factsheet: Syphilis testing & treatment
Click on the language to view or download.
Factsheet: Women and Syphilis
Click on the language to view or download.
Video: postnatal contraception
These videos explain why it is important to leave time between each pregnancy and how you can use birth control (contraception) after having your baby.
Available in multiple languages. Click here to watch.
Other information
The Australian Government’s Beforeplay campaign includes videos and factsheets that encourage people to test for sexually transmissible infections, use protection and practise safe sex. The videos are in English with translated subtitles and transcripts in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese. Factsheets are available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Punjabi, Thai and Vietnamese.
Visit Australian Government website to watch the videos and read the factsheets from the Beforeplay campaign.
Family Planning NSW developed a range of Know Your Health: Contraceptive Options factsheets available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, French, Spanish, Swahili and Vietnamese.
Visit Family Planning NSW website to read and download the multilingual factsheets.
Read the Family Planning NSW booklet on pregnancy options. The booklet is also available in Arabic, Assyrian, Simplified Chinese, Dari, Farsi, Khmer, Korean, Tamil, Thai and Vietnamese.
Read and download information on abortion, including medical and surgical abortion, what you can expect, how much it costs and where to get support, on Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website.
The factsheet is also available in: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Dari, Farsi (Persian), Hindi, Karen, Punjabi, Somali, Swahili, Tamil, Thai and Vietnamese.
Learn about relationships, consent, talking about sex and more by reading the Relationships 101 booklet from Family Planning Australia. The booklet is also available in over 20 other languages.
Read and download Consent Can’t Wait conversation guides in English or your preferred language.
Australian health care system
For international students
For PALM scheme worker
Other information
For international students
International Student Health Directory
Click on the image to view or download the International Student Health Directory developed by Sydney Local Health District.
For PALM scheme worker
The PALM Scheme Workers Resource Kit has been developed in partnership with NSW Council of Pacific Communities and NSW STI Programs Unit to support workers arriving in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. It provides clear, practical information to help workers feel safe, healthy, and confident while living and working in Australia.
The kit is made up of three easy-to-use guides:
- Keeping Safe in Australia – tips on personal safety, workplace rights, and navigating daily life.
- Staying Healthy in Australia – information on healthy eating, physical activity, mental wellbeing, and accessing health services.
- Understanding Healthcare in Australia – information on how the Australian healthcare system works, including where to access health services, such as GPs, pharmacies and hospitals.
Each resource is written in plain English to ensure accessibility and understanding for all workers.
Click on the image to view or download the PALM Scheme Worker resource kit. To pre-order copies, please email info@mhahs.org.au.
For more information on accessing sexual and reproductive health services and the support available for PALM scheme workers, click here.
Other information
Learn more about the Australian health system, including the Medicare Benefits Schedule and more by visiting the Australian government website.
Explore how to find health services near you, look up your medicine, get help in an emergency and more on healthdirect website.
Watch the videos developed by the Multicultural Health Communication Service to understand the Access to Health Care in Australia. The video is available in 19 languages.
Explore multilingual resources on a range of health topics on Multicultural Health Communication Service website:
NSW Refugee Health Service has produced or partnered to produce a range of multilingual health resources, which can be downloaded directly or accessed from this site.
Watch this video series by the NSW Refugee Health Service to learn about topics such as where to go if you are sick, how to call an ambulance and more.
Visit TIS National website to learn how to access the Translating and Interpreting Service.
Reports and publications
NSW BBV and STI CALD Advisory Committee Recommendation Report 2024-2025
Convened by NSW MHAHS, the NSW BBV and STI CALD Health Advisory Committee includes representatives from priority communities, along with key stakeholders and health professionals within these relevant sectors. This report outlines the key findings, outcomes, and recommendations from the NSW BBV and STI CALD Advisory Committee meetings for improved service access and continued community engagement in shaping responsive and equitable BBV/STI health strategies.
Click here to view or download the report.
HIV
The Understanding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) education package is designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information with the aim of:
- Increasing participant awareness and knowledge about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
- Promoting regular testing for people at risk of getting HIV
- Encouraging participants and their communities to access NSW healthcare services, and
- Addressing misinformation and stigma that people may have about HIV
Download our free educational presentations for multicultural audiences. The presentations are available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Indonesian, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Urdu.
An Understanding HIV facilitator guide (click to download) is available to support individuals and organisation in delivering this education session.
English:
Arabic:
Bengali:
Simplified Chinese:
Traditional Chinese:
Indonesian:
Indonesian:
Nepali:
Portuguese:
Spanish:
Thai:
Hepatitis B
The Understanding Hepatitis B education package is designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information with the aim of:
- Increasing participant awareness and knowledge about hepatitis B prevention, testing, and treatment.
- Promoting regular testing for people at risk of getting hepatitis B
- Encouraging participants and their communities to access NSW healthcare services, and
- Addressing misinformation and stigma that people may have about hepatitis B
Download our free educational presentations for multicultural audiences. The presentations are available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Indonesian, Korean, Mongolian, Samoan, Tongan and Vietnamese.
An Understanding Hepatitis B facilitator guide (click to download) is available to support individuals and organisation in delivering this education session.
English:
Arabic:
Bengali:
Simplified Chinese:
Traditional Chinese:
Indonesian:
Korean:
Mongolian:
Samoan:
Tongan:
Vietnamese:
Hepatitis C
The Understanding Hepatitis C education package is designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information with the aim of:
- Increasing participant awareness and knowledge about hepatitis C prevention, testing, and treatment.
- Promoting regular testing for people at risk of getting hepatitis C
- Encouraging participants and their communities to access NSW healthcare services, and
- Addressing misinformation and stigma that people may have about hepatitis C
Download our free educational presentations for multicultural audiences. The presentations are available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Mongolian, Nepali, Urdu and Vietnamese.
An Understanding Hepatitis C facilitator guide (click to download) is available to support individuals and organisation in delivering this education session.
English:
Arabic:
Bengali:
Simplified Chinese:
Traditional Chinese:
Hindi:
Indonesian:
Mongolian:
Nepali:
Urdu:
Vietnamese:
Liver Health
The Understanding Liver Health education package education package is designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information with the aim of:
- Increasing participant awareness and knowledge about their liver health, including information on testing, treatment, prevention and keeping the liver healthy
- Promoting regular testing for people at risk of getting liver diseases
- Encouraging participants and their communities to access NSW healthcare services, and
- Addressing misinformation and stigma that people may have about liver diseases
Download our free educational presentations for multicultural audiences. The presentations are available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Mongolian, Samoan, Tongan and Vietnamese.
An Understanding Liver Health facilitator guide (click to download) is available to support individuals and organisation in delivering this education session.
English:
Arabic:
Bengali:
Simplified Chinese:
Traditional Chinese:
Korean:
Mongolian:
Nepali:
Samoan:
Tongan:
Vietnamese:
Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs)
The Understanding Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) education package is designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information with the aim of:
- Increasing participant awareness and knowledge about STI prevention, testing, and treatment
- Promoting regular testing for people at risk of STIs
- Encouraging participants and their communities to access NSW healthcare services
- Addressing misinformation and stigma that people may have about STIs
Download our free educational presentations for multicultural audiences. The presentations are available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Indonesian, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Urdu.
An Understanding STIs facilitator guide (click to download) is available to support individuals and organisation in delivering this education session.
English:
Arabic:
Bengali:
Simplified Chinese:
Traditional Chinese:
Indonesian:
Nepali:
Portuguese:
Spanish:
Thai:
Urdu:
HIV
Hepatitis B
Social media images
Social media animations
Website banner and Signature block
Social media images
English: cross-cultural
English: African
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Korean
Vietnamese
Social media animations
English: cross-cultural
English: African
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Korean
Vietnamese
Website banner and Signature block
Website banner
Signature block
Hepatitis C
Sexual Health
Syphilis
CALD MSM STIs
Syphilis
Click to download
Banner GIF:
Banner GIF:
Email Signature:
Static Banner:
CALD MSM STIs
Banner GIF
Click to download: English | Arabic | Chinese | Portuguese | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
Click to download: English | Arabic | Chinese | Portuguese | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
Social tile
Click to download: English | Arabic | Chinese | Portuguese | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
Click to download: English | Arabic | Chinese | Portuguese | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
Click to download: English | Arabic | Chinese | Portuguese | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
Click to download: English | Arabic | Chinese | Portuguese | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
Click to download: English | Arabic | Chinese | Portuguese | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
Click to download: English | Arabic | Chinese | Portuguese | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
HIV testing, treatment and support
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ACON
ACON supports LGBTQI+ communities, specialising in HIV prevention, sexual health and more.
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The Albion Centre
It is a public health clinic specialising in HIV care
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a[Test]
It is a fast, free and confidential rapid HIV and STI testing service for men who have sex with men
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Bobby goldsmith Foundation
is Australia’s longest running HIV charity providing support and financial support for people with HIV.
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Health Equity Matters
It is the national organisation supporting HIV and LGBTIQA+ health.
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HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC)
HALC is a community legal centre providing free services to vulnerable people living with HIV in Australia.
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MyTest
It is a NSW Health project providing free HIV self-test kits via vending machines in NSW
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NSW Sexual Health Clinics
Free and private sexual health services in NSW. No Medicare card required. Find a clinic near you:
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NSW Sexual Health Infolink
It provides free sexual health advice, online and over the phone, from trained nurses.
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NSW Users and AIDS Association
It is a peer-based drug user organisation that advance the health, human rights and dignity of people who use or have used illicit drugs.
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Positive Life NSW
It offers peer support, advocacy and information for all people living with HIV across NSW.
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Pozhet (Heterosexual HIV Service)
It provides support, information and advice to heterosexuals at risk of HIV or living with HIV, and health professionals in NSW.
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PAN (PrEP Access Now)
It is a community-led HIV prevention organisation advocating for affordable PrEP access across Australia.
Hepatitis and liver health
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Cancer Council
It is Australia’s leading cancer charity.
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Cancer Institute NSW
It is NSW’s cancer control agency.
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Hepatitis Australia
It is the peak community organisation to progress national action on issues of importance to people affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
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Hepatitis NSW
It provides information, support, referral and advocacy for people affected by viral hepatitis in NSW.
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NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUUA)
NUUA is a peer-based drug user organisation that advance the health, human rights and dignity of people who use or have used illicit drugs.
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NSW Sexual Health Infolink
It provides free online and over the phone information and advice from sexual health nurses.
Sexual health
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1800RESPECT
It is a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Available 24/7.
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a[Test]
https://endinghiv.org.au/test-often/book-a-test/
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Consent Labs
It provides education around positive behaviour and respectful relationships and consent.
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Family Planning NSW
It is the state's leading provider of reproductive and sexual health services.
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International Students Health Hub
It is an online hub with information and services for international students on sexual and reproductive health and available services.
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Let Them Know
It is a free service that can anonymously notify at-risk partners by text or email for you when you test positive for an STI.
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NSW Domestic Violence Line
It provides counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic violence. Available 24/7.
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NSW Sexual Health Clinics
It provides confidential sexual health services. No Medicare card required.
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NSW Sexual Health Infolink
It provides free online and over the phone information and advice from sexual health nurses.
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NSW Sexual Violence Helpline
It provides support for anyone in NSW impacted by sexual assault (including friends, families and supporters). Available 24/7.
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Playsafe
It provides sexual health information to young people across NSW.
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Pregnancy Choices Helpline
It offers free, unbiased and confidential information on pregnancy options.
Multicultural, interpreter and other government services
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Anti-Discrimination NSW
It promotes anti-discrimination and equal opportunity principles and policies throughout NSW.
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Multicultural NSW
It provide people from all backgrounds the opportunity to fully participate in our social, economic and political system.
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NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service
It is a state-wide health service hosted by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD).
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NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors
It supports people who have faced persecution, war, violence, or human rights violations before coming to Australia and are struggling as a result.
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NSW Refugee Health Service
It provides a range of clinical services and medical assessments for recently arrived refugees and asylum seekers.
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Advance Diversity Services
It is a non-profit organisation that builds community, brings cultures together and promotes justice, equality and respect.
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Asylum Seekers Centre
provide practical and personal support for people seeking safety in Greater Sydney, and advocate for fair and humane policies at every level.
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Australian Department of Health an Aged Care
Develop and deliver policies and programs and advise the Australian Government on health, aged care and sport.
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Healthdirect
It is a government-funded service, providing quality, approved 24/7 health information and advice.
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International Student Health Hub
It is an online hub with information and services for international students on sexual and reproductive health and available services.
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Services Australia
It is a government agency responsible for delivering a range of welfare payments, health insurance payments, child support payments and other support services to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents.
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Settlement Services International
It connect newcomers with resources, knowledge, and skills for personal growth and community integration.
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Studies in Australia
It is the official Australian Government website for international students.
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Translating and Interpreting Service
It is an interpreting service by the Department of Home Affairs.
For LGBTIQ+ communities
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Rainbow Cultures
An online directory of groups and services for culturally and linguistically diverse LGBTQIA+ community in New South Wales and more broadly in Australia.
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Kaleido Health Centre
A specialised LGBTQ+ health service that provides integrated and multi-disciplinary care for sexuality and gender diverse people in NSW.
Glossary for all
| ABORTION | Abortion is when a pregnancy is ended before the baby is born. This can happen for medical reasons or because the person does not wish to continue the pregnancy |
| ACUTE | This refers to something that happens quickly, is intense, and lasts for a short time. |
| ADMISSION | An admission to hospital. When you are admitted to hospital it means you are formally allowed to stay there for medical care. The process includes filling out forms, being checked by doctors, and being given a bed or a room in the hospital. |
| AGE OF CONSENT | The age of consent is the legal age at which person is old enough to agree to have sex with another person. Depending on what state or territory you’re in,the age of consent can vary, so it’s important to know the law where you live.In NSW the age of consent is 16 years old. |
| AIDS | AIDS stands for ‘Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome’. It is a serious illness caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which weakens the body’s ability to fight infections. People with AIDS are more likely to get sick from other diseases. There is no vaccine and no cure. |
| ALLIED HEALTH | Allied health refers to people who are trained to help treat and care for patients but are not doctors. Examples include psychologists, and physiotherapists. |
| ANAL SEX | When a person puts their penis into their male or female partner’s anus (bottom) for sexual excitement. |
| ANTI BODIES | Special proteins made by the body to fight infections like bacteria or viruses,They help you from getting sick. In the case of hepatitis C, antibodies are produced to fight the virus and remain in the body long-term regardless of whether the infection is still present. |
| ANTIBODY TEST | A blood test looking for antibodies rather than the virus itself. |
| ANTI-RETROVIRAL DRUG | A kind of medicine used to fight HIV. It helps control the virus and prevent it from spreading in the body. |
| ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART) | Anti-retroviral therapy is the treatment for people with HIV. It involves taking, a combination of different medications to lower the amount of HIV in the body, which helps the immune system stay strong. |
| ASYMPTOMATIC | When a person has an infection but does not show any symptoms (like feeling sick), they are called asymptomatic. The person might not know they are sick. |
| BIGENDER | A bigender person identifies as having two genders. These genders can be identified at the same time or at different times. |
| BIOLOGICAL SEX | Biological sex refers to the physical traits a person is born with, that are used to classify an individual as female or male or intersex. The physical traits include things like chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs. Sometimes a person’s sex does not match their gender identity. |
| BIRTH CONTROL | Birth control refers to methods used to avoid unintended pregnancy. These can include pills, condoms, or other devices or methods (see also: contraception). |
| BISEXUAL | A bisexual person is someone who is attracted to, or has romantic or sexual relationships with, people of more than one gender. |
| BLADDER | It is the organ that collects and stores urine produced by the kidney. The bladder is emptied through the urethra. |
| BLOOD AWARENESS | Blood awareness means being cautious or alert about the presence of blood. This is especially important in health care and preventing the spread of infections. |
| BULK BILLING | Bulk billing means that a doctor or health provider directly bills the government for the cost of your health care, so you don’t have to pay anything yourself. |
| CALD | CALD stands for ‘Culturally and Linguistically Diverse’. It refers to people who have different cultural backgrounds. It describes Australia as a culturally, religiously, and linguistically diverse population. |
| CELL | It is the smallest part of a human body. The body is made of millions of cells. A single cell is too small to be seen on its own. |
| CERVIX | The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus at the end of the vaginal canal. It has a small opening that allows menstrual blood to pass from the uterus into the vagina. The opening can also allow sperm to travel up into the uterus to reach an egg. |
| CHLAMYDIA | Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can be cured with antibiotic. |
| CHRONIC | An illness or medical condition that lasts for longer than 6 months. |
| CIRRHOSIS | Cirrhosis is a disease of the liver where the liver becomes damaged and scarred. This can happen from long-term alcohol use or viral infections like hepatitis C. Approximately 5-10% of people with hepatitis C develop cirrhosis. |
| CD4 COUNT | A measure of the number of CD4 cells (or T-helper cells) in someone’s blood. CD4 cells are a type of immune system cell in the body that HIV attacks and kills over time. The lower the CD4 count, the weaker the immune system. |
| CHLAMYDIA | A bacterial infection that can be spread during anal or oral sex. Treatment usually involves antibiotics. |
| CISGENDER / CIS | A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. |
| CO-INFECTION | Co-infection is when a person has more than one infection at the same time. For example, someone might have both hepatitis C and HIV. |
| COMBINATION THERAPY | It means using two or more drugs at the same time to treat one disease. |
| COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES | Community health services are health services provided to people in their communities. These services are often available without needing to go to a hospital. |
| COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES | These are types of medicine that are used alongside regular medical treatment. In relation to hepatitis C, complimentary therapies are often used to reduce potential side effects of antiviral therapy. |
| CONTRACEPTION | Contraception is a method to prevent pregnancy. This can include birth control pills, condoms, or other methods. |
| CONDOM | A condom is a thin cover that a man wears on his penis during sex. It helps prevent pregnancy and the spread of infections. |
| CONFIDENTIALITY | Confidentiality means that health workers, doctors and interpreters cannot share your personal or medical information with others without your permission, except in very special situations. |
| CONTAGIOUS | If a disease is contagious, it means it can be passed from one person to another. |
| CO-PAYMENT | A co-payment is the amount of money a person has to pay for health care services or medicines, in addition to what the government or insurance pays. See the PBS website for current and historical co-payment amounts. |
| COUNSELLOR | A counsellor is a trained professional who listens to people talk about their concerns and helps them find a solution. Counsellors follow the rules of confidentiality. Counsellors work at places like community health clinics, mental health services and Family Planning clinics. |
| DAM | A square piece of latex used to cover a woman’s vagina or anus or a man’s anus during oral sex. |
| DIAGNOSIS | A diagnosis is the conclusion a doctor makes after examining you, asking questions, and possibly doing tests. |
| DIAPHRAGM | A diaphragm is a soft rubber dome that covers the cervix to prevent pregnancy. It is advised to have it size fitted by a doctor or clinic first. Used with contraceptive gel or cream, it blocks sperm. You can buy it at a pharmacy, Family Planning Clinic, or online. |
| DISCRIMINATION | Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because they are different, like being an immigrant, a woman, living with HIV/AIDS, or having a disability. In Australia, many forms of discrimination are against the law. |
| DISEASE | Illness, sickness. |
| DRUG RESISTANCE | It is when the body becomes so used to a drug that the drug is no longer able to work. |
| ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS | It is a digital file that stores your health information from doctor visits. |
| FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE | It refers to violence that happens between family members or people living together, like partners, parents, or housemates. |
| FIBROSCAN | Fibroscan is a painless test to check how much damage has been done to your liver. |
| GAY | A word for a man who is attracted to other men, or for people who are part of the gay community. |
| GENDER IDENTITY | It describes how someone feels and understands their own gender, like being a woman, man, or neither. |
| GENERAL PRACTITIONER (GP) | A doctor who takes care of your general health and is usually the first person you see if you’re not feeling well. |
| GENOTYPE | It describes the specific genetic structure of hepatitis C. Each genotype causes different immune responses and responds differently to treatment. Hepatitis C genotypes include 1, 2, 3, and 4. |
| GONORRHOEA | It is an infection caused by bacteria that you can get from having unprotected sex. It is prevented by using condoms during sex and cured by antibiotics. |
| GYNAECOLOGIST | A doctor who specialises in female sexual and reproductive health. |
| HEALTH EQUITY | Health equity is when everyone has the same opportunity to be healthy, no matter their background or circumstances. |
| HEALTH INEQUALITY | Health inequality refers to the differences in health between population groups. |
| HEALTH INEQUITY | Health inequities are differences in health between population groups that are socially produced, systematic in their unequal distribution across the population, avoidable and unfair. |
| HEALTH LITERACY | It refers to the ability to access, and understand information about health and the health care system and use it to make decisions about your health. |
| HEPATITIS | It is an inflammation of the liver usually caused by the hepatitis viruses. The most common types are hepatitis A, B and C. |
| HERPES | Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common skin condition that can cause painful blisters on the mouth or genitals. There are two types: HSV-1 can cause mouth or genital symptoms. HSV-2 usually causes genital symptoms. Some people with herpes never have symptoms, but for those who do, medication can help, though there is no cure. |
| HETEROSEXUAL | It is a word used to describe someone who is attracted to or has sex with people of the opposite sex. |
| HIV | The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system and can cause AIDS if left untreated. |
| HIV POSITIVE | A person becomes HIV positive when they have been infected with HIV. The word ‘positive’ means that a blood test found the virus. A ‘negative’ test means no HIV was found. |
| HOMOSEXUAL | It describes a person who is mostly attracted to people of the same sex or gender, in terms of emotions, physical attraction, or sexual feelings. |
| HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS) | HPV is a common viral infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sex. There are many types of HPV, some can cause warts, some are associated with cancers, some will have no effect. |
| IMMUNE SYSTEM | The body’s system for fighting infections and disease. HIV weakens this system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. |
| IMPLANT | A small rod placed under the skin to prevent pregnancy for up to three years. It uses hormones to stop pregnancy and can be removed at any time. |
| INFECTION | The development of a micro- organism (germ, microbe) in or on the body. Infections may lead to the infected person becoming ill. Infections can be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite. |
| INFLAMMATION | Heat, swelling and pain in the body. It can also occur when there is no clear external cause and the body reacts against itself, as in auto-immune diseases. |
| INFORMED CONSENT | Informed consent means that a person agrees to a medical treatment or test after fully understanding what it involves. They must be given all the information they need, including any risks or benefits, so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed. |
| INJECTING | It is the process of using a needle and syringe to put drugs into the blood stream, under the skin or into the muscle. |
| INJECTING DRUG USER (IDU) | It describes a person who takes drugs by using a needle and syringe to put drugs into the blood or into a muscle. |
| INTERFERON | Interferon is a substance that the body naturally makes to fight viral infections. When given in large amounts, it can help clear hepatitis C from the blood and slow down or stop the disease. |
| LESBIAN | A woman who is sexually attracted, or has sex with, other women. See also homosexual. |
| LIVER BIOPSY | It is a clinical procedure in which a small part of the liver is taken out to check the health of the liver. |
| LUBE OR LUBRICANT | It is a slippery water-based liquid,used during safe sex to prevent condoms from ripping or tearing. |
| MAMMOGRAM | It is an X-ray of the breast. It may be used to check for lumps or screen for breast cancer in women who have no signs of it. |
| MEDICARE | A government-funded program in Australia that helps cover the cost of medical services for all citizens, making health care more affordable. |
| MEDICARE BENEFITS SCHEDULE (MBS) | The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is a list of medical services covered by Medicare, which helps subsidise the cost of health care for Australians. |
| MONITOR | Monitor means to have regular check-ups to find out how a disease is progressing or developing. |
| MSM / WSW | They are the short terms for ‘men who have sex with men’ and ‘women who have sex with women’, These terms focus sexual behaviours , not sexual identities They are often used in HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and treatment. |
| NEEDLE EXCHANGE | Needle exchange is a service where people can get new needles and syringes for free and have safely dispose of used ones. |
| OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION | It refers to an infection that spreads quickly in people with weak immune systems, like those with HIV. These infections usually don’t affect healthy people. |
| OUT-OF-POCKET COST/EXPENDITURE | It is the amount of money a person has to pay for health care services after any refunds from Medicare or other government programs. |
| OUTPATIENT CLINICS | Outpatient clinics refer to the services provided by a hospital for patients who don’t need to stay overnight, allowing them to receive treatment and go home the same day. |
| PAEDIATRIC | It is a medical field focused on the health and treatment of babies and children. |
| PEER WORKER | A peer worker is someone who shares similar experiences or backgrounds with the people they help, offering support, advice, or guidance based on that shared experience. |
| PERSON LIVING WITH HIV/ AIDS | A person living with HIV is someone who has become infected with HIV. This person may develop AIDS later on if left untreated. |
| PREGNANCY | It refers to the state of carrying a baby (or fetus) in the uterus. Pregnancy begins when a fertilised egg implants in the uterus and typically lasts about 40 weeks from the last menstrual cycle,there is a miscarriage or abortion. |
| PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID) | It is an infection in a woman’s reproductive system that can cause unusual bleeding, ongoing pain, and problems with getting pregnant. It’s often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea and chlamydia. |
| SAFE SEX | Sexual contact when there is no risk of catching or passing on HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. |
| SCREENING | Screening is a way to check for health risks or problems in people who don’t have symptoms. The goal is to prevent, detect and treat health issues as early as possible. It’s often done through special programs for people at higher risk. |
| SEXUAL ABUSE | Sexual activity that is harmful, forceful or not agreed upon. |
| SEXUAL HARASSMENT | Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention, such as inappropriate touch, gestures, looks, comments, rumours, or other actions. |
| SEXUAL HEALTH | It refers to women’s and men’s ability to enjoy and express their sexuality safely, without the risk of sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, violence or discrimination. |
| SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION (STI) | It refers to an infection which can be passed duringthrough sexual contact. HIV is an STI, but it can also be passed through blood-to-blood contact and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. |
| SIDE EFFECT | Side effect refers to a result of taking a drug that is not its main purpose. |
| SOCIAL WORKER | A professional person with special training to talk to people about their concerns and to help them find a solution. Social workers follow the rules of confidentiality and keep everything you share private. |
| SPECIALIST | A doctor who is trained to work in a specific area of medicine other than general health care. |
| STIGMA | Negative and often unfair beliefs and attitudes that a society or group of people have towards something. |
| SUBSIDISED PRESCRIPTION | When the cost of medicine is reduced through programs like the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS), making it cheaper for the patient. |
| SYPHILIS | A bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. It is curable with antibiotics but can cause brain damage and even death if untreated. |
| TELEHEALTH | It refers to health services provided through technologies, such as video calls or other communication tools. |
| TEST | Test is a way to check if someone has an illness by taking their blood or body fluids and carefully looking at them. |
| TRANSMISSION | Transmission occurs when a disease is passed from one person to another. |
| TREATMENT | Treatment is something that a person does o stay healthy or get better. It can involve taking Western medicine, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine,or making lifestyle changes. |
| UNDETECTABLE VIRAL LOAD (UVL) | When someone living with HIV takes treatment, they can lower their viral load to be ‘undetectable’. This helps protect their health and prevents spreading the virus. |
| UNPROTECTED SEX | Having sex without using condoms or dams. |
| URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI) | A bacterial infection of the urinary tract which can include the bladder, urethra and kidneys.It often makes you feel like you need to pee a lot and can cause pain when you urinate.It is curable with antibiotics. |
| VACCINATION | It refers to the process of giving someone a vaccine to help their body fight infection. |
| VACCINE | Vaccine is a substance that helps the body build protection against a disease without causing the disease itself. |
| VIRAL LOAD | Viral load refers to the amount of a virus (for example, HIV or hepatitis C) that is found in a person’s blood if they are infected with that virus. |
| VIRAL SUPPRESSION | When HIV treatment reduces a person’s viral load to an undetectable level. |
| VIRUS | A virus is a germ (microbe, micro-organism) which antibiotics cannot fight. HIV and hepatitis A, B and C are viruses that cannot be treated with antibiotics but can be treated with antiviral drugs. |
| WINDOW PERIOD | It refers to the time between potential exposure to HIV and when it can be detected by HIV tests. |