The New Zealand AIDS Foundation has launched a new campaign aimed at turning around Auckland's over-representation in new HIV cases amongst gay men. While an estimated 45% of New Zealand's gay and bisexual men live in Auckland, 77% of new HIV infections over the first half of this year occurred in the Auckland/Northland region. One new HIV infection is being diagnosed among New Zealand's gay/bisexual male population every four days. The new "one every four days" campaign will target men who have sex with men in Auckland throughout the coming summer, with posters around the city's "gay" areas, safe sex packs, venue posters, postcards, gay and mainstream advertising and internet advertising. The campaign will also be seen at popular gay camps near Auckland, Wellington and Nelson. The key message in the campaign is that HIV is at its most infectious directly after exposure, before the person knows they are infected. The AIDS Foundation hopes that it will reduce complacency based on assurances or appearances of a prospective partner.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Monday, 28th November 2005 - 12:00pm