These figures are primarily due to an increase in diagnoses among gay and bisexual men who remain the group of people most at risk in New Zealand, and will continue to be at the forefront of the NZAF’s prevention efforts. Rachael Le Mesurier, NZAF Executive Director states that “the figures for 2008 show that the HIV epidemic in New Zealand is very real. HIV is a highly dangerous, yet easily preventable disease. We urge gay and bisexual men not to be complacent about protecting themselves and their partners from HIV”.
While the increased numbers for gay and bisexual men are significant, new diagnoses for other population groups remain very low in comparison. NZAF is heartened that the rates for new Māori infections remain low, in contrast to many other significant health issues in New Zealand, where there are significant health inequalities for Māori. In total 14 Māori were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2008. One Māori woman was infected through heterosexual contact and for three others the mode of infection remains unclear. Gay and bisexual Māori men were more at risk with 10 new diagnoses.
New Zealand continues to have very low HIV rates compared to other OECD countries. The increase in New Zealand among gay and bisexual men is similar to that seen in 23 European countries between the years 2000-2006. The previous high of 183 new diagnoses was recorded in 2005.
For further comment please contact:
National Communications Co-ordinator
New Zealand AIDS Foundation | Te Tūāpapa Mate Āraikore o Aotearoa
