A.I.D.S. ‘not Gay Disease’ (Press, 10 July 1985)

On 10 July 1985, concerns were raised within the homosexual community regarding the potential for increased public hysteria following the confirmation that a child, who was a haemophiliac, had been exposed to the A.I.D.S. virus. Mr Bill Logan, a representative from the Gay Task Force, expressed fears that the public reaction might be driven more by misinformation than by accurate details about the disease. He stressed that education was essential for everyone, pointing out that A.I.D.S. is not exclusive to the gay community and that all individuals could be at risk. Mr Logan criticised the Government for not taking sufficient action in terms of public health education, arguing that a proactive approach could ultimately save significant financial resources in the long run. He suggested that an immediate investment of approximately $250,000 in a multi-media advertising campaign could prevent future costs of around $25 million associated with treating A.I.D.S. patients. Evidence was emerging that campaigns initiated within the homosexual community to promote safer sex practices were yielding positive results. A survey conducted at a homosexual dance event in Wellington indicated that the majority of participants were following safe sex guidelines and had increased their use of condoms. This demonstrated a heightened awareness and responsibility regarding casual sexual encounters among the community. In related remarks, Mr Tony Goodwin, secretary of the Haemophilia Society, pointedly noted that it was unrealistic to believe there was only one child in New Zealand exposed to the A.I.D.S. virus. He referenced international estimates suggesting that a significant percentage, possibly as high as 80 per cent, of haemophiliacs could eventually test positive for A.I.D.S. antibodies. According to a survey by the Health Department from November of the previous year, 14 individuals who were identified as high-risk—comprising both homosexuals and haemophiliacs—had tested positive for A.I.D.S. antibodies, although none had progressed to full-blown A.I.D.S. at that time. It was noted that while there have been 10 reported cases of notifiable A.I.D.S. in New Zealand, all these cases were contracted overseas.

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