N.Z. Women Face Risk Of A.I.D.S.—brochure (Press, 23 September 1986)
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Summary: N.Z. Women Face Risk Of A.I.D.S.—brochure (Press, 23 September 1986)
On 23 September 1986, the A.I.D.S. Foundation in New Zealand released a brochure aimed at educating women about the risks of acquiring and spreading the A.I.D.S. virus. According to the foundation, women in New Zealand could be at risk, mirroring trends in other regions such as the United States, where approximately 6 per cent of A.I.D.S. cases are women, and West Africa, where over half of the victims are female. Foundation spokeswoman Kate Leslie highlighted the importance of sharing information to prevent further spread of the disease. The brochure outlines how women might contract A.I.D.S., primarily through unprotected sexual encounters with infected individuals and the sharing of needles among intravenous drug users. It identifies several groups of men who are considered high-risk partners: intravenous drug users, haemophiliacs using imported blood products, men with numerous sexual partners, and bisexual men. In addition to outlining the infection risks, the brochure aims to dispel common myths about how A.I.D.S. is transmitted. It clarifies that the virus cannot be contracted through casual contact like hugging, kissing, or touching, nor from using objects handled by A.I.D.S. patients. The foundation stresses that infected children are not a threat to their peers, stating, “No child has been infected with the A.I.D.S. virus through casual contact with other children or through living with an infected child." It reassures that A.I.D.S. is much less contagious compared to typical childhood infections. To further support women, the foundation has appointed a counsellor based in Auckland to assist those who may be concerned about potential exposure to the virus. Overall, the release seeks to empower women with knowledge and encourage safer behaviours to help combat the spread of A.I.D.S. in New Zealand.
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