Sexual Health, Blood-Borne Virus & Sister Girls of the NT

This episode introduces Mary Weru, a senior case manager working in sexual health and blood borne virus in the Northern Territory. 

Mary was a colleague from a few years ago, and she has always exuded extreme positivity and competence. She is now in the role of managing vulnerable individuals with sexually transmittable viruses, as well as campaigning for the education of these viruses. 

Through her work, she realised the intricacies and complexities of the vulnerable population and their 'resistance to treatment.'

She tells us about the challenges of the people she treats, and brings us insight into their lived experiences.

She also brings to the table a passionate discussion of how she negotiates her role, as a mediator between the medical professionals and the wellbeing of her clients. She describes the tension these two groups have towards each other.

As a result, the delicate balance between education and empathy seems to be a skill she has developed, working in this field.

Amongst all this, we also lightheartedly touch on transgender health and identity of Sister Girls in the Northern Territory. She shares anecdotes of the confusion professionals face when identifying Sister Girls for legal and medical purposes. 

Ultimately, Mary brings to home the importance of de-stigmatizing the nature of blood borne viruses, the effectiveness of the treatments of HIV and Hepatitis, developing effective family systems, and also how commonly prevalent they are in our society.

This conversation with Mary has illuminated a lot of my personal misconceptions about the reality of living with such viruses, as well as broadened my understanding on the topic. We hope this podcast will do the same for you.

Visit NTAHC and the NT Health Website for more information.

You can learn more from: 

NTAHC (Northern Territory Aids and Hepatitis Council)

https://www.ntahc.org.au/ 

ASHM

ASHM provides support to the HIV, viral hepatitis and sexual health workforce.

https://www.ashm.org.au/ 

NT Health

For professionals: https://health.nt.gov.au/professionals/centre-for-disease-control/resources-and-publications