Social responses to HIV and viral hepatitis

ARCSHS has long delivered high-quality strategic research that addresses international issues, and also informs Australia’s HIV and viral hepatitis national strategies. This research theme is focussed on the experiences, wellbeing and social connections of people living with HIV and viral hepatitis. It also addresses the role, quality and impact of community and peer-led social responses, and their influence in community and policy systems. The theme outcomes advance knowledge on the relationships between community, policy and health services, and inform prevention, testing, treatment and care, and community and peer-led interventions.


Group of diverse people facing away from the camera, on a dark striped background

Hepatitis C-related stigma and discrimination in a post-cure world

2020-2023

Summary report of project findings and recommendations

Kate SeearSuzanne Fraserkylie valentineAdrian Farrugia, Dion Kagan Emily LentonSean MulcahyAndrew Whalley

This report details findings and recommendations from an Australian Research Council-funded project entitled ‘Addressing hepatitis C-related legal, policy and practice discrimination in a post-cure world’ (DP200100941). This three year, qualitative research project was undertaken between late 2020 and late 2023, and sought to review the laws, policies and practices that impact people affected by hepatitis C in Australia, particularly after treatment.

Hepatitis C-related stigma and discrimination in a post-cure world: Summary report of project findings and recommendations (PDF 3.6MB)


A graphic image showing two figures holding hands. They both have long shadows. Another figure stands alone. All figures are standing on coloured circles which are linked by lines.

Reducing stigma and discrimination associated
with blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections

2022

A stigma reduction toolkit for the Victorian healthcare workforce

Jeanne Ellard, Adrian Farrugia, Andrew Whalley, Emily Lenton, Renae Fomiatti, Suzanne Fraser

Developed in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health, this toolkit is designed as a resource for Victorian healthcare services and professionals interested in ensuring their clients have the best experience possible.

With funding from the Victorian Department of Health, this toolkit is currently being piloted in two Victorian healthcare programs. A toolkit service integration guide will be developed from this pilot and will be available alongside the toolkit in 2024.

Reducing Stigma and discrimination associated with blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections: A stigma reduction toolkit for the Victorian healthcare workforce (PDF 18.33MB)


Over-exposed, blurred image of people standing and walking in a large public area

Lived experiences of treatment for hepatitis C in Australia

2022

An online resource for people considering treatment, members of the public, healthcare workers and other professionals

Renae Fomiatti, Frances Shaw, Adrian Farrugia, Suzanne Fraser, David Moore, Carla Treloar, Michael Edwards and Elizabeth Birbilis

Experiences of hepatitis C diagnosis: Testing, reflecting on diagnosis and seeking advice (Broadsheet No. 1)

Hepatitis C treatment uptake: Understanding treatment incentives and obstacles (Broadsheet No. 2)

Experiences of DAA treatment and hepatitis C cure: Treatment knowledge, interactions with health professionals and questions after cure (Broadsheet No. 3)

Life after hepatitis C treatment: Health, wellbeing and the future (Broadsheet No. 4)


Four cartoon people in a pose

Understanding the health and social wellbeing needs of sex workers in Victoria

2022

P.G. Macioti, Ryan DeVeau, Miranda J. Millen, Casey McGlasson, Bung Siangyai, Gina Sinclair, Jennifer Power and Adam Bourne

This report examines the health and social wellbeing needs of sex workers in Victoria, particularly in relation to sexual, physical and mental health.

Understanding the health and social wellbeing needs of sex workers in Victoria - Digital version (PDF, 4.8MB)

Understanding the health and social wellbeing needs of sex workers in Victoria - Print version (PDF, 10.9MB)

Read more about the project


A blurred crows of people walk through a public space like a train station

Understanding experiences of telehealth care delivery for hepatitis C treatment in Australia: Findings and recommendations from a national qualitative study

2021

Frances Shaw, Renae Fomiatti, Suzanne Fraser, Andrew Whalley

Understanding experiences of telehealth care delivery for hepatitis C treatment in Australia (PDF, 1.29MB)


A group of diverse people in a circle with their hands joined in the centre, shot from below. The people have multi-coloured manicures, jewellery and tattoos.

W3 Project: Creating a set of evaluation indicators for peer-led work

2021

Petrina Hilton, Graham Brown and Adam Bourne

W3 Project: Creating a set of evaluation indicators for peer-led work (PDF, 2.59MB)


Cover of HIV Futures 9: Quality of life among people living with HIV in Australia, with design of round gum leaves

HIV Futures

1998-2019

HIV Futures is a flagship research series about the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Australia.

Explore the full list of HIV Futures publications.


Aerial photograph of fields, trees, the sea and a beach with rocky headlands

Peer Insights: Hepatitis C treatment - Broadsheet No. 3

2019

Peer Insights on barriers and motivators to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment uptake

Susan Chong, Graham Brown, Sione Crawford, J. Dicka, Hunter Morgan, Angela Corry, Gari-Emma Perry, S. Carruthers, M. E. Harrod, Lucy Pepolim, A. Heslop and Charles Henderson

Peer Insights Hepatitis C Broadsheet 3 (PDF, 0.8MB)


Bearded person with baker boy cap, large blue pearl earring and bar piercing

What Works and Why (W3) Project - Impact Analysis

2019

Understanding what works and why in peer-based and peer-led programs in HIV and hepatitis C

J. Dunne and Graham Brown

What Works and Why (W3) Project - Impact Analysis (PDF, 0.9MB)


People walk down an old-style narrow shopping street in an Asian city

How do we value the role of community responses to HIV?

2019

ARCSHS Workshop at SKPA Meeting: Summary Report

David O'Keeffe, Graham Brown and Adam Bourne

How do we value the role of community responses to HIV (PDF, 0.5MB)


Two masculine people hugging, smiling and looking at the camera

The Influence of AFAO, AIDS Councils & Communities

2019

How, when and where are gay and bisexual men influenced about HIV?

Graham Brown, Andrew Westle, Adam Bourne, and Jeanne Ellard

The Influence of AFAO, AIDS Councils & Communities (PDF, 2.7MB)


Multicultural crowd of people walking on the street

Peer Insights: Hepatitis C treatment - Broadsheet No. 2

2019

Peer Insights on barriers and motivators to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment uptake

Susan Chong, Graham Brown, Sione Crawford, J. Dicka, Hunter Morgan, Angela Corry, Gari-Emma Perry, Charles Henderson and Lucy Pepolim

Peer Insights: Hepatitis C treatment - Broadsheet No. 2 (PDF, 3MB)


Two people are reaching out their arms and taking hold of each other's hand in a display of support

HIV and hepatitis pre- and post-test discussion in Victoria

2017

Consultation report

Jen Johnson, Emily Lenton

HIV and hepatitis pre- and post-test discussion in Victoria - Consultation report (PDF, 1.9MB)

HIV  Talking Testing Tool  (PDF, 136KB)

Hepatitis B Talking Testing Tool (PDF, 106KB)

Hepatitis C Talking Testing Tool (PDF, 142KB)