Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Standing Committee (BBVSS)

The BBVSS provides strategic advice to the Health Chief Executives Forum as part of a coordinated response to bloodborne viruses (BBV) and sexually transmissible infections (STI) across Australia.

Role

The Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Standing Committee (BBVSS) is a key advisory body on social issues, programs and policies related to:

  • bloodborne viruses (BBV), such as HIV, hepatitis B and C
  • sexually transmissible infections (STI), such as syphilis.

The BBVSS forms part of a coordinated response across:

  • Australian Government
  • state and territory governments
  • key organisations
  • peak bodies
  • national research centres.

Terms of reference

See the BBVSS terms of reference.

Members

Representatives from the following organisations are members of BBVSS.

  • Queensland – Queensland Health
  • New South Wales – Ministry of Health
  • ACT – ACT Health
  • Victoria – Department of Health and Human Services
  • Western Australia – Department of Health
  • Northern Territory – Department of Health
  • South Australia – SA Health
  • Tasmania – Department of Health and Human Services
  • Australian Government – Department of Health and Ageing
  • New Zealand – Ministry of Health
  • Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis & Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
  • Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO)
  • Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA)
  • Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)
  • Hepatitis Australia
  • National Association of People With HIV Australia (NAPWHA)

Meetings

BBVSS meets 2 times per year.

BBVSS may also hold an additional 1-day face-to-face meeting annually, focussed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues.

In addition to regular BBVSS meetings, the committee may convene extraordinary or emergency teleconferences or workshops, as required, to discuss BBV and STI health protection matters of national significance as they arise.

Related committees or groups

The BBVSS reports to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

The AHPPC in turn report to the Health Chief Executives Forum (formerly the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council).

Contact

Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Standing Committee secretariat

Contact the BBVSS secretariat for enquiries about the committee's work.
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