Australia's HIV infection rate has decreased for the first time in a decade, according to new official figures released today. The Sydney Star Observer newspaper reports that 995 new cases of HIV were reported last year, compared with 1051 in 2007. "These new figures do not yet constitute a trend, but reaching a plateau is preferable to the continuing increases we had over the last decade," says the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations executive director Don Baxter. "It is pleasing and it does demonstrate that re-investment in the program works, and it does demonstrate that most gay men are doing safe sex nearly all the time, so they are encouraging, positive signs." KIWI HIV BLOW-OUT Meanwhile, the NZ AIDS Foundation acknowledged back in March that New Zealand had its highest-ever number of new HIV diagnoses last year, with 184 new cases across the country. "We urge gay and bisexual men not to be complacent about protecting themselves and their partners from HIV," said NZAF Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier. Using condoms and water-based lubricant every time men have anal sex remained the best method to avoid contracting HIV, the NZAF advises.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 9th September 2009 - 9:28am