The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) had a 40% increase in HIV tests carried out at the NZAF Burnett Centre in Auckland during June 2009. Wayne Otter, NZAF Burnett Centre Regional Manager says “HIV tests and counseling at the Burnett Centre increased by 40% in the month of June. HIV testing rates have been increasing slowly month by month since the introduction of FASTests but the sudden jump in testing during June is largely due to the media focus on HIV in recent weeks.”
The NZAF provides a free, fast and totally confidential testing and counseling service with professional counselors and psychotherapists. Out of respect for clients and their right to confidentiality the NZAF will not release information such as the how or when clients may have been exposed to HIV, their risk behaviours or identifying information like their gender or age.
Otter says “Some of the people coming to the NZAF Burnett Centre in June may have had a sexual encounter with the man at the centre of case before the courts. They may have had an encounter with someone else who has had an encounter with the defendant. Or a client may be concerned because they have had a high risk sexual encounter with someone completely unconnected with this case but they are aware that HIV is in New Zealand communities and they simply want a test to put their mind at ease. The reasons people get tested for HIV are myriad and complex and it is important that this case is not used to stigmatise and discriminate against people living with HIV.”
HIV and syphilis FASTests are available for anyone by contacting 09 309 5560 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to make an appointment. The NZAF is aware that the majority of people living with HIV are very responsible when it comes to protecting themselves and their partners by using condoms and lube. HIV can be easily prevented by using condoms and lube.
For further comment please contact:
Dawn O’Connor
National Communications Co-ordinator
New Zealand AIDS Foundation | Te Tūāpapa Mate Āraikore o Aotearoa
