The number of new HIV infections contracted through homosexual sex in 2003 are the worst figures in a decade, signalling a blowout that points to a looming health disaster for New Zealand's gay male and MSM community. Figures released today by the NZ AIDS Epidemiology Group show 93 men contracted the deadly virus in 2003, compared to only 67 in 2003 and even smaller numbers in previous years. “How many more friends, family and partners do we have to hand over to this vicious virus?” says Rachael LeMesurier, Executive Director of the AIDS Foundation. The Foundation appears unsurprised by the massive increase, however, as it has for some time predicted such a blowout, reflecting similar increases overseas two years ago. “What happened here...is similar to that occurring in many other developed countries,” says LeMesurier. “Internationally most gay men know the message about condoms but some are balancing that against the myths and misinformation about HIV drugs. The only winner in this dangerous lottery is the HIV/AIDS epidemic."
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Friday, 27th February 2004 - 12:00pm