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Source: ONE News -
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More people were diagnosed with HIV in New Zealand in 2008 than ever before. Below are some facts about the state of HIV and AIDs in New Zealand and some FAQs about the disease:
- 184 people were diagnosed with HIV through antibody testing in New Zealand during 2008: the highest number ever diagnosed in one year.
- 91 were men infected through sex with other men (MSM), 61 (39 men and 22 women) through heterosexual contact, two through injecting drug use, two through a transfusion (overseas)
- Four of those diagnosed with HIV in 2008 were children infected through mother-to-child transmission (3 overseas and 1 in New Zealand),
- For 21 people the means of infection was unknown or unreported.
- 48 people were notified with AIDS in 2008. Twenty two were men infected through sex with other men, 19 (14 men and 5 women) through heterosexual contact, two through injecting drug use, one through a transfusion (overseas), two were children infected through perinatal transmission overseas,
- and for two people the means of infection was unknown or unreported.
FAQ's
How is HIV spread?
HIV is a caused by a virus that is spread by vaginal and anal sex
and through contact with infected blood.
How do I avoid infection?
HIV can be prevented by practising safer sex (use of
condoms) and safer injecting behaviour (do not share needles and
other injecting equipment). It is not possible for HIV to pass
through an intact latex condom. Using condoms and water-based
lubricant in the correct way every time you have vaginal or anal
sex reduces the risk of HIV transmission by around 95%.
If you inject drugs then you need to ensure that the equipment that you use has not been used by anyone before you.
How do I know if I have HIV infection?
You probably won't unless you are tested. The test can be
arranged by your family doctor, family planning or the NZAF. The
result of the test remains confidential. If you think that you may
be at risk of infection you should have an HIV test.
What is the total number of people who have been diagnosed as HIV positive in New Zealand?
Since records started being taken in 1985, 1608 men and 261 women have tested positive.
Worldwide there have been more than 42 million people diagnosed with HIV and 5 million of them were last year.
Who is most at risk?
In countries similar to New Zealand the rates of infection
are increasing and this pattern looks to be repeating in New
Zealand. In 2001 and 2002 in particular there is evidence of an
increase in the number of new HIV infections amongst men who have
sex with men (MSM). Men who have sex with men are still the single
largest group at risk of HIV but other population groups need to be
aware of the risks as well and how to access support and
treatment.
Over 80% of heterosexually transmitted HIV infections were acquired overseas.
Why are the numbers increasing?
Australia and the UK are experiencing an increase in the number of
men who have sex with men (MSM) being diagnosed with HIV as we are
seeing in New Zealand. There is no agreement on the possible
reasons for this. While obviously a change in behaviour, maybe as a
consequence of less concern over the seriousness of HIV infection,
could be important, it is appreciated that the rising number could
result from a relative rise in the prevalence of HIV among MSM due
to increased survival.
Source: Ministry of Health Website
For more detailed information on HIV/AIDS in New Zealand and its prevention go to - www.moh.govt.nz/aids
