Health Director Gives Advice On How To Avoid... (Press, 31 August 1985)

In a statement issued on 31 August 1985, Dr Ron Barker, the Director-General of Health, provided insights on how to avoid A.I.D.S., emphasising that the disease is not easily transmitted and highlighting effective preventive measures. He asserted that casual contact, such as wet kisses or respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, does not pose a risk for transmission. Dr Barker explained that sex partners, whether homosexual or heterosexual, can remain safe if they refrain from outside sexual contacts. He advised that individuals with multiple partners should use condoms to mitigate risks. He highlighted that anal intercourse is riskier compared to vaginal intercourse, particularly for the partner being penetrated, and considered oral intercourse to be highly risky in promiscuous environments. He emphasised the dangers of shared needles among drug users, which he suggested likely contributed to the spread of A.I.D.S. in the United States, resulting in over 11,000 reported cases at that time. Although significant research efforts into A.I.D.S. have been undertaken globally, Dr Barker acknowledged that knowledge gaps remain about the disease. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence that A.I.D.S. would not spread explosively in New Zealand, noting the nation's health services were adequately equipped to manage potential cases. Preventive strategies by the Health Department will focus on altering sexual behaviours through public education, testing for A.I.D.S. virus infection, and providing counselling for those who test positive or are at risk. Dr Barker stressed the challenge in persuading individuals to change their sexual practices, suggesting that educating young people about safe practices before they become sexually active would be more effective. A.I.D.S. is concentrated in blood and semen, with Dr Barker noting that all documented cases in the U.S. were linked to either sexual contact or shared needles. Although the virus is also present in tears, sweat, and urine, these fluids contain insufficient concentrations to spread the disease. He indicated that minor injuries could theoretically allow for transmission but stated that actual cases had yet to be identified in this manner. Dr Barker pointed out that the low infectivity of A.I.D.S. is illustrated by the lack of infected healthcare workers despite frequent exposure to A.I.D.S. patients prior to the disease being identified. He indicated that a significant transfer of infected blood is necessary for transmission, which is not likely from casual contact. Transmission likelihood also correlates with the number of sexual partners, with certain sexually liberated groups overseas experiencing rapid spread. New Zealand has reported cases of the A.I.D.S. virus from imported blood products, though all current blood products are heat-treated for safety. Looking forward, the Health Department plans to introduce A.I.D.S. testing at blood banks and hospitals by the end of September 1985, with testing available for free. Dr Barker expressed uncertainty regarding the potential economic impact of A.I.D.S. in New Zealand but remained hopeful that the spread would be more contained compared to other countries.

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