39,000 People May Be ‘at Risk’ (Press, 10 April 1986)

On 10 April 1986, the A.I.D.S. Support Network in Christchurch reported that up to 39,000 individuals in the South Island could be at risk of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (A.I.D.S.) virus and would require regular screening. This estimate primarily concerns male homosexuals, with approximately 13,000 residing in Christchurch. Mr Ralph Knowles, a trustee of the South Island division of the New Zealand A.I.D.S. Foundation, highlighted that male homosexuals represent a significant portion of the at-risk population. The network clarified that their proposed clinic would not be associated with the treatment of individuals already diagnosed with A.I.D.S. Instead, the clinic would focus on working with "at risk" groups to diagnose the virus, provide non-hospital treatments, trace contacts, and offer counselling. Mr Knowles acknowledged the potential gap between the envisioned services and actual provisions that could be made. The A.I.D.S. Advisory Committee had released a report in October 1985 recommending the creation of A.I.D.S. clinics in major cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. The Canterbury Hospital Board received this report in March 1986 and had requested feedback, which was presented during a recent health services meeting. Dr Ross Fairgray, the medical superintendent-in-chief, supported the establishment of a limited number of clinics but warned that expecting national and regional clinics to be formed without specific regional funding was unrealistic. The committee's report indicated that the at-risk population, particularly promiscuous homosexual and bisexual men, numbered in the thousands. Although diagnostic technologies were available in New Zealand, there was neither a satisfactory cure nor reliable preventative measures for A.I.D.S. The anticipated societal impact of the disease was significant, as it could strain health and community services, create financial burdens, and present challenging social and ethical dilemmas. Public fear surrounding the disease was advised to be mitigated, as there was no evidence to suggest that A.I.D.S. could be transmitted through respiratory droplets or casual contact. Dr Fairgray reiterated that A.I.D.S. should be regarded as a public health issue, akin to other epidemics, requiring a response from public health agencies rather than solely hospital administrations. Dr Jocelyn Hay, a board member, stressed the need for enhanced health education regarding A.I.D.S. to encourage responsible behaviour among the population. The findings and recommendations from the board's meeting were set to be forwarded to the Health Department for further consideration.

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