Today – December 1 – is World AIDS Day 2020. World AIDS day aims to raise awareness within the community about HIV, the methods of transmission, how it can affect anyone regardless of sex, age, country of birth. Importantly, World Aids Day also aims to reduce the stigma associated with HIV.
HIV does not discriminate. Stigma related to HIV impacts on patients’ mental health and their willingness to engage in care. A number of patients living with HIV do not always disclose their HIV status to the GP which results in the Infectious Diseases team being the only point of access for health care.
More than 350 people access their HIV care at Monash Health. We average 50 new diagnoses every year, approximately 20% of whom are female. The youngest patient managed by Monash health is 8 years old and the oldest patient is 89 years of age.
Monash Health offers patient’s a multidisciplinary team approach. There are 2 Infectious Diseases clinics a week, Friday morning and Tuesday after hour’s clinic. The after-hours clinic can see patients 5.00-7.30pm. The clinics consist of Infectious Diseases Consultants, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Research Nurse, Data Manager, Psychology, Psychiatry, Dietician, and Social worker. We also work closely with a variety of community and peer support workers. A sexual health physician is also available for appointments in the after-hour’s clinic on Tuesday evenings.
You can find out more about HIV in Australia and events to commemorate World AIDS Day at http://www.worldaidsday.org.au.
Approved by Nina Pannu – Care Coordinator/ Clinical Nurse Consultant