N.Z. Could Be A.I.D.S. Free, Say Experts (Press, 11 November 1986)

On 11 November 1986, two visiting A.I.D.S. experts, Sam Tuckett and Tom Coates, highlighted the critical opportunity for Auckland, New Zealand, to become an A.I.D.S.-free zone. During their visit for an A.I.D.S. prevention workshop, they stressed that the next couple of years would be essential in determining the country's response to the epidemic. Mr Tuckett underscored the need for substantial investment and effort to curb the spread of A.I.D.S. before it could escalate out of control. Both experts have experience with the A.I.D.S. Foundation in San Francisco, where the situation is dire, with 50 per cent of homosexual and bisexual men testing positive for the virus and a daily death toll from A.I.D.S. disease. Mr Tuckett noted that New Zealand's geographical isolation had slowed the spread of A.I.D.S. in comparison to countries like the United States, but he emphasised the importance of acting quickly rather than assuming that the absence of immediate cases indicated a lack of threat. He warned that there is a common misconception regarding the nature of risk associated with A.I.D.S., suggesting that many New Zealanders may underestimate how fast the disease could spread. Tuckett referenced the U.S. government's investment of $2 billion in A.I.D.S. education as a benchmark for New Zealand, indicating that increased governmental funding would be necessary to achieve a similar goal of an A.I.D.S.-free environment. At that time, each A.I.D.S. patient in New Zealand incurred treatment costs of approximately $100,000, putting further financial strain on the healthcare system. While Tuckett and Coates acknowledged the commendable efforts underway in New Zealand, they were disappointed by the limited local research on the disease. They believed there is a significant, yet silent, group of bisexual individuals in New Zealand who must be made aware that they are not alone and that the risk of infection is tied to specific behaviours rather than sexual orientation or intravenous drug use alone. Additionally, Mr Tuckett urged for increased awareness among wives regarding their husbands' possible activities as a preventive measure. In summary, Tuckett and Coates strongly advocated for immediate action and increased education to prepare New Zealand for a future A.I.D.S.-free environment.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand