Membership of The ARSE Foundation is open to anyone concerned about the high levels of HIV and HCV among people who inject drugs and who are angry about the lack of action being taken to stem the pandemics.  HIV killed 3 million people in 2003. It is expected that 5 million more people will be living with the virus by the end of 2004.

To become a member, simply send us an email stating that you agree with the manifesto of The ARSE Foundation and we will add your name to our members page. Membership is free and is open to individuals or organisations.

The manifesto of The ARSE Foundation


Koffi Annan's call for leadership to tackle the HIV pandemic has been hijacked by corporations whose primary stated aim is to increase revenue for their shareholders, not to reduce the growing number of HIV related deaths on every continent.

Through organisations like the Health Institute of New jersey and the Health Leadership council, corporations have taken charge of national and international health policy to the detriment of billions of people worldwide.

Syringe manufacturers have adopted tactics of deception, asserting that needlestick injuries and unsafe injecting practices, and the subsequent risk of BBV transmission, can be avoided by the use of their product. They have ignored the complexity of the issues faced by health care workers in developing countries and people who inject drugs across the globe.

The introduction of retractable syringes in Australia has been through the back door. The trial of these devices in Australian NSPs has been veiled in secrecy, possibly to prevent the media and the public from making the Wooldridge connection. The fact that former health minister Michael Wooldridge is set to make a direct financial gain from the opening of an Australian market for retractables, is enough to prompt the Australian Federal Police to commence an inquiry into his conduct.

Australian companies have mirrored the multi-nationals' marketing strategy and have blatantly flouted trade practice laws and guidelines issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the advertising of medical devices. Potential investors are being sucked in to this fraud and stand to lose significant amounts of money when the bubble bursts.

Despite the lack of support across the board, the Australian Government has pushed ahead with this trial of an experimental device on human beings. The Trial breaches numerous principles of the Nuremberg Code and should be stopped immediately.

Nearly three million people died of HIV related causes in 2003. If the syringe manufacturers and their drug-producing allies are allowed to continue their reign, this figure will continue to grow until HIV has affected every family on the planet. It is time we did something about it.