The Multicultural BBV/STI Working Group brings together workers from health agencies that provide services in HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and STI.
It aims to improve the support available to migrant and refugee communities by creating a forum for workers to discuss program initiatives, raise issues, needs and concerns, and to explore the possibilities for collaborative ventures.
MHSS started the Working Group to provide an opportunity for health agencies to build links with other organisations and to support their professional development.
The Working Group meets every two months and guest speakers are invited to provide updates on specific topics such as recent research or interesting initiatives in the sector.
In 2007, the Working Group developed a comprehensive media strategy to reduce the stigmatisation of African communities in Victoria, following federal and state government comments about the link between refugees from Africa and increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence in Australia.
The Working Group is currently working on a project to increase the knowledge and cultural appropriateness of interpreters working with HIV-positive clients.