Director of The University of Queensland’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health Professor James Ward is co-convening the inaugural Indigenous Peoples Conference – HIV and Hepatitis Health Equity
Held in Meanjin (Brisbane) from 21-22 July 2023, the conference theme is Achieving Health Equity for First Nations Peoples in HIV and Hepatitis in an increasingly Inequitable World
Professor Ward and Edan Campbell-O’Brien, Indigenous Health Engagement Advisor at ASHM will welcome 175 First Nations delegates and allies to the associated event preceding the 12th IAS Conference on HIV Science.
Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man Professor Ward has built a national program of research in the epidemiology and prevention of infectious diseases, with a particular focus on STIs, HIV and viral hepatitis in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Despite significant efforts, First Nations Peoples in Australia and around the globe continue to face significant challenges in preventing, treating, and managing HIV and Hepatitis,” Professor Ward said.
“Indigenous populations globally share astonishing similarities in terms of reaching equitable health outcomes for both viral hepatitis and HIV.
“We still have a long and winding road ahead of us to reach our 2030 goals to close the gap.”
Proud Yulluna man from North-West QLD, and Kuki Airani man with ancestral ties to Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Mangaia Mr Campbell-O’Brien said the conference will provide a culturally safe forum for First Nations health professionals.
“The centring of Indigenous peoples’ expertise, experiences and leadership will be a feature of this conference,” Mr Campbell-O’Brien said.
“This is what is needed to drive equity for Indigenous peoples.”
Conference sessions will cover policy, programming, funding, challenges and gaps across the sector, and explore what’s required to address HIV and Hepatitis inequities among First Nations and Indigenous peoples.
Conference Speakers include:
Keiva Lei K. Cadena, Nipissing First Nation (Hawaii)
Margaret Kisikaw Piyesis, Cree Woman (Canada)
Trevor Stratton, Ojibwe (Canada)
Professor Chris Cunningham, Ngati Raukawa and Ngāti Toa Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Dr Alexandra King, Nipissing (Canada)
Professor Papaarangi Reid, Te Rarawa iwi (New Zealand)
Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed, Narrunga Kaurna woman (Australia)
Media: Amanda Donigi, a.donigi@uq.edu.au
