Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Australian Federation Of Aids Organisations - Thursday, May 29, 2003
Latest figures for the year 2002 show that the rate of new HIV infections rose by seven per cent in Victoria, and by twenty per cent in Queensland. HIV figures being finalised for New South Wales are also indicating a rise in new infections.
Last year some 700 Australians became infected with HIV, with gay and bi-sexual men making up the majority of these new HIV infections. The HIV infection figures from Victoria reflect the third successive year there has been rise in new infections in that State.
AFAO National President Bill Whittaker said that the rises in infection rates were significant and must be acted on:
"The increase that first occurred in Victorian HIV infection figures during 2000 and 2001 have occurred for the third year in a row and we now see rises in Queensland and in NSW. These three States make up almost 90 per cent of the national HIV/AIDS caseload. So a worrying national pattern appears to be emerging," he said.
AFAO says that the reasons for this situation are complex and multifaceted. They include declining Commonwealth and State/Territory government leadership and funding; rises in sexually transmitted infections and in unsafe sexual practices; declines in regular HIV testing; and possibly from misunderstandings about treatments and vaccines under development being "cures".
"This upward trend in new infections is by no means confined to Australia," Whittaker said. "There have also been recent increases in HIV infection rates in a number of comparable countries in Europe and North America. Overall, the declines in HIV infection rates that characterised western countries in the 1990s are now starting to trend in the other direction in a significant number of countries.
"The warnings have been there for some time about Australia's vulnerability to new HIV infections. To its credit the Commonwealth Government recognised this vulnerability and commissioned a review of Australia's National HIV/AIDS Strategy early last year. The review's reports and recommendations were handed to the Health Minister last November.
"However, it is very disappointing that after six months the Commonwealth Health Minister has not yet released the review reports, nor has the Minister indicated how the review's recommendations are to be addressed. This delay is causing a loss of morale and uncertainty about the future of our AIDS response."
"AFAO understands that the review calls for a major shake up of Australia's AIDS response - particularly in the area of HIV prevention - and for the early implementation of an upgraded National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
"We call on the Minister to release the reports and provide a roadmap for bringing in a revitalised National HIV/AIDS Strategy without further delay," Whittaker said.
Whittaker pointed out that Australia has been widely praised for its very effective response to the HIV epidemic over the past 20 years.
"Australia is at risk of losing its international reputation as a world and regional leader in HIV/AIDS if it allows the current situation to continue," Whittaker said.
"We are still doing many things right and we should not lose sight of this. But this rise in infections is a wake up call to all in the AIDS partnership - National and State/Territory Governments, community based organisations, and the medical and research sector - that we need to revitalise our efforts in the face of new complexities in our work.
"We look to the Commonwealth Government to lead a cooperative response to this challenge, consistent with the leadership role it has played in responding to HIV/AIDS over the past 20 years."
Media Enquiries:
Michael Kessler, AFAO Media Officer
0401 282 204
AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION OF AIDS ORGANISATIONS INC.
PO BOX 51, Newtown, NSW 2042
Tel: 61 2 9557-9399 - Fax: 61 2 9557 9867
030529
AO030501
Copyright © 2003 - Reproduced courtesy of copyright owner - listed on source line.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980 – 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .