A.I.D.S. Hysteria Upsets Haemophiliacs (Press, 17 April 1985)

On 17 April 1985, the Christchurch branch of the Haemophilia Society held its annual meeting, where concerns were raised about the societal hysteria surrounding A.I.D.S. Haemophiliacs, vulnerable populations due to their medical condition, are worried about being ostracised, akin to treated as lepers. The branch chairman, Mr Stuart Alexander, expressed that there is a pressing need for increased public education and information regarding A.I.D.S. to mitigate fear and discrimination associated with the virus. Mr Alexander addressed the perceived risks that haemophiliacs could miss out on vital funding intended for A.I.D.S. victims, highlighting a concern that the public's panic about A.I.D.S. has been exploited by the homosexual community to advance their political causes, particularly the legalisation of homosexuality. He asserted that sympathy is not what haemophiliacs require; instead, they are calling for actionable support. To help their members, the meeting decided to implement regular newsletters, organise meetings, and bolster internal support systems for those at risk of A.I.D.S. Furthermore, they planned to reach out to a psychiatrist at Christchurch Hospital to discuss potential counselling services. The meeting's guest speaker, Dr Mel Breiseman, who is the Deputy Medical Officer of Health in Christchurch, provided insights into A.I.D.S. and discussed its diagnosis and treatment complexities. He pointed out that the issue surrounding A.I.D.S. is highly emotional, noting that while homosexuals and intravenous drug users are generally seen as the primary at-risk groups, haemophiliacs, who rely on blood products, are also innocently affected by the virus. Dr Breiseman remarked on the ineffectiveness of current treatments and the uncertainties involved in diagnosing A.I.D.S. He referenced a recent government announcement of a $2.89 million initiative aimed at combating A.I.D.S., which he believed would be beneficial for the Christchurch area. He emphasised that isolating individuals with A.I.D.S. is unnecessary and counterproductive, noting that the virus is not transmitted through everyday social interactions. However, he advised people to exercise caution with sexual contact with those at risk and recommended that individuals using needles should opt for disposables, while also discouraging the sharing of razors or toothbrushes. In closing, Dr Breiseman stated that while A.I.D.S. is a concern, it is actually easier to contract hepatitis B than A.I.D.S. and encouraged anyone anxious about the disease to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves.

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