Implications of HIV infection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their health and medical professionals

The history of reaction to HIV infection amongst Australia’s indigenous peoples is a chequered one, ranging from sporadic hysteria to a complacent malaise. The threat of infection and the potentially catastrophic social, personal and economic ramifications remain one of the most urgent and difficult challenges confronting medical and health professionals in this country – both indigenous and non-indigenous.

This presentation will attempt to highlight some of the major issues concerning the practice of HIV medicine with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including: the development of workable community systems; the meaning of trust; the importance of confidentiality; long-term care; case-management; counselling; and cultural imperatives.

Hopefully, some of the points discussed will be pertinent to professionals dealing with other marginalised or distinctive groups within society.