Policy Papers
Health Equity Matters prepares a range of resources as part of its HIV, LGBTIQA+ health and public health policy work in Australia and internationally. These resources include policy positions, briefings and issue papers. You can view our policy papers below.
- Publications/
- Policy Papers/
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Afao Federal Budget 2018 2019 Analysis...
Access our policy positions, briefings, issue papers and more.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Preparing messaging for mpox cases in the broader community
Almost all mpox cases in Australia to date have occurred within gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) communities. The emergence of the clade Ib variant of mpox internationally, where outbreaks have affected a broader demographic profile and involved multiple transmission contexts, has reinforced the importance of preparedness for potential transmission beyond GBMSM networks. Drawing on lessons from successful mpox communication within and by GBMSM communities, this policy brief outlines principles for clear, non-stigmatising and culturally safe messaging delivered through trusted, sector-specific channels for the broader community.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Ongoing and surge mpox health promotion messaging
Australia’s mpox response to date demonstrates that non-stigmatising, agency-affirming health promotion is most effective when led by the communities most affected. Community organisations, supported by government, clinical, and research partners, are best placed to translate evolving information into clear and culturally appropriate messaging. This policy brief outlines the key features and considerations needed to sustain effective ongoing communication and to rapidly scale health promotion messaging during mpox outbreak surges.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Approaches to encouraging and supporting appropriate isolation with mpox
Isolation remains a crucial step in preventing mpox transmission, but it can be challenging. Isolation rules must balance the risk of exposure from individuals who remain infectious with the burden of extended isolation on individuals and their families.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Community and clinical resourcing for future mpox outbreaks
Australia’s ability to respond in both 2022 and 2024 relied heavily on long-standing HIV infrastructure, community organisations, and sexual health clinical systems. These systems were able to pivot quickly, but doing so placed significant strain on already stretched resources. To protect communities and prevent future outbreaks, dedicated investment in community readiness, clinical capacity, and national coordination is essential.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperInternational
International Program Statement
Health Equity Maters is committed to advancing health equity for all, with a particular focus on people living with, at risk of or affected by HIV. Our international programming is grounded in principles of locally led development, community ownership, rights-based approaches and inclusive systems strengthening.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Contact tracing for mpox
Contact tracing has been an essential component of responding to the mpox outbreaks in Australia, but challenges lie ahead if mpox becomes endemic for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Clinical research priorities for mpox
While Australia currently has low case numbers, global trends highlight the importance of remaining prepared. A key way to do this is through ongoing clinical research, especially in testing the effectiveness of current vaccines and treatments, as well as developing new, longer-lasting vaccines and identifying new therapies for those who become severely ill with mpox.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Mpox isolation and recovery
This paper covers mpox isolation, including home care, isolating at home and from other people in the household, proper hygiene, cleaning and disinfection and how and when to end isolation and resume normal activities.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
The use of Tpoxx for severe mpox illness
This brief outlines the antiviral medication Tpoxx, including in what cases and who it would be recommended for, how it is accessed and common side effects. It also explores other treatment options.
- 2025Discussion PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Increasing Access to Community-Controlled, Vending Machines for HIV Self-Tests
The global HIV response has evolved significantly over the last decade, with Australia emerging as a leader in innovative prevention and testing strategies. Among the most promising developments is the introduction of community-controlled, HIV self-testing vending machines.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Global trends in mpox transmission
The fourth policy brief in our mpox series highlights global trends, including data separated by region and mpox clade.
- 2025Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Mpox symptoms
This briefing paper outlines mpox symptoms, as well as information on the infectious period, and policy and practice implications.
