An average of just over one new HIV infection every four days is occurring among men who have sex with men in New Zealand, based on the latest six-monthly statistics for the first half of 2005. The men receiving HIV diagnoses came from all age groups and ethnic backgrounds. The AIDS Foundation says it is usually cautious about commenting on six-monthly figures, but the high number of cases cannot be ignored. “We've seen an unusually high number of cases reported through our own clinics, and this suggests that the upwards trend is continuing” says NZAF Research Director Tony Hughes. Last year saw 73 new HIV infections among MSM, up from an average of 35 per year from 1997 – 2001. “It looks as though 20 years of good work from the gay community and from HIV prevention organisations is now being unravelled,” says Hughes. “If the trend for the first half of this year continues we'll be looking at 88 HIV diagnoses. That would be the highest number ever in the history of the epidemic in New Zealand.” Hughes says the Foundation has been hearing from gay men who say that HIV isn't much to worry about these days, because it doesn't seem real to them. Some are trying to avoid infection by methods other than condom use. “20 years into the epidemic it is plain what now has the upper hand, and it isn't the gay community, it is the virus,” Hughes continues. “Quite clearly, if you think you only need to use condoms with some people and not others then HIV infection will be a real issue for you, sooner or later.” The Foundation is reiterating its message that condoms must be used, without exception, for anal sex. "That decision now has to be supported at every level – by communities of gay men, by HIV prevention services and by businesses that serve homosexual men."