Dirty Hypo, Needles Spreading A.I.D.S. (Press, 8 December 1986)

On 8 December 1986, New Zealand's Minister of Health, Dr. Bassett, highlighted rising evidence of increased A.I.D.S. cases among heterosexual individuals who have contracted the virus through intravenous drug users. He emphasised the urgency for New Zealand to explore new measures to prevent the spread of the disease within this demographic, noting particular concern for innocent partners and unborn children who might be at risk due to the use of contaminated needles. Dr. Bassett addressed the findings of the A.I.D.S. Advisory Committee, which recommended implementing an exchange programme where drug users could exchange used needles for sterile ones at mobile units. Additionally, this system would connect drug users to educational resources and counselling aimed at prevention. Previously, the committee had refrained from advocating changes to drug laws, citing a lack of evidence to suggest such changes would reduce needle sharing effectively. While Dr. Bassett acknowledged some changes in needle-sharing behaviours in New Zealand, he expressed that the available data did not give a confident indication that all possible actions to combat the issue had been taken. The committee's report released indicated that, as of 6 November 1986, New Zealand had documented a total of 25 A.I.D.S. cases, with a growth pattern observed over recent years. Three cases were reported in 1984, followed by 11 in both 1985 and the current year. All reported cases were male, predominantly in the age group of 30 to 39 years. Out of the identified cases, the majority fell under the category of homosexual transmission, with only one confirmed case involving an intravenous drug user and another individual classified as a haemophiliac. The report also noted a concerning trend of "apparently heterosexual transmission," suggesting that the disease was spreading beyond its traditionally recognised risk groups. It highlighted the historical context of transfusion-related A.I.D.S. cases occurring only before the implementation of routine blood screening. Finally, the report underscored the ongoing issue of needle reuse and sharing among drug users in New Zealand, indicating that despite some progress, significant challenges remained in addressing the overall public health threat posed by A.I.D.S.

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