Key Arabic community radio stations are partnering with the Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS) to increase awareness of hepatitis B in the Arabic-speaking community.

The project, which is a joint undertaking with South Western Sydney Local Health District, is working with Muslim Community Radio and the Voice of Charity to produce a series of interviews to raise awareness of the importance of hepatitis B testing and treatment.

The project offers an exciting opportunity for the station, according to Faten El Dana, OAM, of Muslim Community Radio, 92.1FM.
 
“We're excited to work with the MHAHS again. Muslim Community Radio, 2MFM, plays an important role in bringing about positive change. Our involvement in the project is a step in that direction. Supporting the project is a great way to interact with our listeners as well as provide important health information,” said Ms El Dana.

Community radio stations remain a powerful way to reach Arabic-speaking communities, according to Faten Solaqa, Hepatitis B Project Officer from  the MHAHS.

“If we’re trying to educate culturally diverse communities, we need to include ethnic media in our efforts. Community radio outlets are highly regarded and have the capacity to reach wide audiences,” said Ms Solaqa.

For more information about our Arabic Community Hepatitis B Project, contact Faten Solaqa on 9515 1234 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Federal government has announced it will list an effective HIV prevention drug on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), starting April 1.

Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed the news on Tuesday 21st March, that pre-exposure prophylaxis medicine, known as PrEP, would be government subsidised from next month.

HIV advocates have welcomed the move as an important step forward for Australia in becoming one of the first countries in the world to eliminate the transmission of HIV nationally.

Professor Darrell O Donnell, the CEO of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, says the move will change people’s lives.

“There is absolutely no doubt that PrEP is a game changer for Australia’s response to HIV. With the introduction of PrEP, we’re absolutely certain that we will be able to drive rates of HIV in this country to very, very low levels,” he said.

However, there is a need to ensure the news is also shared with people from culturally diverse backgrounds, according to Barbara Luisi, manager of the MHAHS.

“People from diverse backgrounds need to be aware of this important announcement as many are unaware of what PrEP is. Some may be aware, but hesitant about it and fearful that taking it would stigmatise them in their community,” said Ms Luisi.

PrEP is a once-daily pill that is considered to be 99% effective at preventing new HIV diagnoses when used properly.

Click here for information about PrEP in different languages.

The MHAHS joined a host of services last week to welcome international students at a reception organised by the City of Sydney. Held at the Sydney Town Hall, close to 1,000 students from more than 60 nations attended the ceremony.

Galuh Sapthari, project officer for the MHAHS International Student Project, was thrilled to attend the ceremony.
 
“It was a great opportunity for us to meet with so many students and introduce our work. It was also great to meet with the Lord Mayor and so many other services all of whom want to see our international student community prosper. I welcome their focus on the health and wellbeing of the students and appreciate their interest in how our project will  engage with them in the months ahead,” said Galuh.

Galuh organised an information stall to distribute various HIV resources to the students and was supported by our Community Engagement Officer, Wa'el Sabri and Health Promotion Officer, Natali Smud.

The International Student Project aims to raise awareness of contemporary HIV testing, prevention and treatment options among overseas students studying in NSW. It encourages international students to seek free help from relevant HIV services if they feel they are at risk while studying in NSW.

For more project details, contact Galuh Sapthari on 9515 1234 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

African communities are responding positively to our Hepatitis B Project.

The project, which started early this year in response to the prevailing epidemic, has identified a series of strategies to engage African communities in addressing the issue.

“The early response has been very encouraging, despite some challenges,” said Lucy Mukoko, project officer from the Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS).

“There is a lack of awareness about hepatitis B in our communities, so often it’s not taken seriously. Now that we’ve gained the support of some key people in our communities, we are starting to see more interest and are getting requests for more education sessions. This is very exciting, but we still have a long way to go before we have full hepatitis B awareness.”

Successful education sessions have been organised with Sierra Leonian and Ethiopian communities recently and more workshops are planned for the Zimbabwean and other communities in the coming months.

For more information about the workshops and the African Hepatitis B Project, please contact Lucy Mukoko on 95151234 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.