NAPWA

The Seroconversion StudyA clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. trialA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase IA clinical trial designed to establish whether an experimental drug is safe for humans to take. Phase I studies determine the metabolism and pharmacologic actions of drugs in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and look for early evidence of effectiveness; these studies may include either people with HIV, HIV-negative volunteers, or both tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase IIA smaller clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective. Phase II studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication or indications in patients with the disease or condition under study and to determine the common short-term side effects and risks. If there is evidence that the drug is effective, a Phase III study is undertaken, with a larger number of participaants, to confirm this. expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase IIIA large clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective and safe enough for widespread use. Phase III studies include expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather additional information to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide and adequate basis for physician labeling. expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IVPost-marketing studies to delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use. takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. collects both quantitative and qualitative data from mainly homosexual men who have recently been diagnosed with HIV. Men are referred to the online questionaire through clinics and HIV organisations providing services to men who are newly diagnosed. Men completing the online questionaire volunteer for the more extended depth interview. read more »

“HIV prevention must be supported from an evidence base of best health promotion practice and with respect for the rights and dignity of those living with HIV,” NAPWA president Robert Mitchell has told today’s opening ceremony of the 21st Australasian HIV/AIDS Conference. read more »

It has been almost a year since the last National Strategy expired but finally the formation of a new one is in the works. read more »

The HIV Seroconversion StudyA clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. trialA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase IA clinical trial designed to establish whether an experimental drug is safe for humans to take. Phase I studies determine the metabolism and pharmacologic actions of drugs in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and look for early evidence of effectiveness; these studies may include either people with HIV, HIV-negative volunteers, or both tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase IIA smaller clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective. Phase II studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication or indications in patients with the disease or condition under study and to determine the common short-term side effects and risks. If there is evidence that the drug is effective, a Phase III study is undertaken, with a larger number of participaants, to confirm this. expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase IIIA large clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective and safe enough for widespread use. Phase III studies include expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather additional information to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide and adequate basis for physician labeling. expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IVPost-marketing studies to delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use. takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. is a study of men who have been recently infected with HIV. It will provide valuable information for health promotion efforts and may be used in the development of health promotion materials for gay and other men who have sex with men. read more »

The final report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission was released on 27 July, 2009.

The report has been widely anticipated and is expected to have a major influence on the health policy directions of the Rudd Government. read more »

NAPWA’s decision to move away from using the term ‘HIV/AIDS’ to ‘HIV’ (and from ‘PLWHA’ to ‘PLHIV’) has generated some debate. NAPWA president Robert Mitchell explains the reasons behind the change. read more »

NAPWA turned 20 the other day and we threw a party. I’m not usually big on parties but this one was different. It felt like everyone was having the birthday and unlike those just-for-the-sake-of-it once-a-year affairs we all really deserved a celebration . . . read more »

In a welcome intervention to put HIV on the agenda of federal parliament, Nationals MP for Riverina, Kay Hull, moved a private member’s bill in the House of Representatives on June 23, asking for bipartisan support for a revitalised response to HIV in Australia. read more »

Mostly established at a time when positive people faced isolation and stigma and urgently needed social support, the role of Positive Living is now being questioned. David Menadue investigates. read more »

The National Strategy on HIV provides the framework for how Australia will respond to the epidemic into the future, writes NAPWA President Robert Mitchell. read more »