A.I.D.S. Cost ‘enormous’ (Press, 12 August 1985)
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Summary: A.I.D.S. Cost ‘enormous’ (Press, 12 August 1985)
Dr David Cooper, an Australian specialist in A.I.D.S., highlighted the significant economic impact of the disease in his recent visit to Auckland, where he was invited by the Blood Foundation of New Zealand. He pointed out that A.I.D.S. primarily affects young individuals, which subsequently affects their ability to contribute tax revenue and support the growing elderly population. Dr Cooper is in New Zealand to attend the forty-first annual meeting of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology in Palmerston North. In his discussion, Dr Cooper mentioned that routine blood donor screening began in Australia on May 1, 1985, making it the first country to implement such measures. He noted that it took only a month to evaluate the blood packs and predicts that similar screening procedures will be adopted in New Zealand within two to three months. Dr Cooper reassured the public by stating that there is no evidence that A.I.D.S. can be transmitted through regular social interactions, such as sharing meals or being in the same room as an infected person. He stressed the necessity of two key measures to combat the spread of the disease: Firstly, there is a need for education targeting high-risk groups, particularly bisexual men who are married, as they represent a significant concern in transmission dynamics. He expressed that existing laws against homosexuality hinder effective outreach to these at-risk populations. Secondly, Dr Cooper emphasised the importance of educating the wider community to alleviate fears associated with A.I.D.S., as well as with homosexuals and haemophiliacs. Creating a more informed and accepting environment is crucial for reducing the stigma surrounding the disease and its transmission.
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