The number of new HIV infections among gay and bisexual men in the first six months of 2004 has remained at the alarmingly high levels recorded in 2003. The AIDS Epidemiology Group has reported 35 new diagnoses compared with 33 in the same period last year. In total, 2003 recorded one of the highest numbers of new HIV infections among gay and bisexual men since the epidemic began in New Zealand. AIDS Foundation executive director Rachael LeMesurier says the new infections are highly likely to be recent, and not a result of increased testing among those who have been living with the virus undetected. "The answer to ending this epidemic among MSM in New Zealand remains what it has been for the 20 or so years of the epidemic – the consistent use of condoms for anal intercourse," she says. "Working with our communities to re-establish support for HIV avoidance continues to be an NZAF priority."
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 9th September 2004 - 12:00pm