Zacs Gets Beyond An A.I.D.S. Door (Press, 17 September 1987)

On 17 September 1987, a significant event in New Zealand's health landscape commenced, with the nation's first A.I.D.S. Awareness Week set to begin that Saturday. This week would feature a range of activities including special television and radio programmes, public seminars, concerts, and church services aimed at educating the public about A.I.D.S. The article, authored by Geoff Mein, details a personal journey into understanding and testing for antibodies to the virus. Mein's article is framed by an alarming revelation from a British medical journal, which suggested that the A.I.D.S. virus may have existed for centuries, its recent widespread transmission in Africa primarily due to the frequent use of improperly sterilised needles. He reflects on his own experiences in Africa, noting the prevalence of reused syringes in medical settings, which heightened his concern about potential exposure to the virus. Motivated by both personal and communal responsibility, Mein decides to undergo A.I.D.S. testing. He details his entry into the A.L.D.S. Foundation clinic in Christchurch, where he was greeted by counsellor Marie Gleays. Initially, he faced feelings of anxiety and the stigma surrounding A.I.D.S., contemplating what others might think upon seeing him enter the clinic. During the consultation, Marie explains the implications of the antibody test and reassures him about the importance of testing for the sake of community health. Mein acknowledges that many seek testing out of fear of passing the virus to others, particularly among high-risk groups like intravenous drug users and the gay community. However, he also identifies significant reasons not to take the test, including the emotional toll of a positive result, the potential for societal ostracism, and concerns regarding insurance implications. After much contemplation, Mein proceeds with the test, which involves answering a detailed medical questionnaire and a physical examination. He describes his apprehension during the process, particularly when he sees the blood samples drawn for testing. The emotional burden of uncertainty is palpable as he awaits results, compounded by media reports about the alarming increase of A.I.D.S. cases in East Africa. The anxiety reaches a peak as he anticipates the results for weeks, revealing his struggle with paranoia and a desire to escape should the news be dire. When the day of reckoning arrives, he is met with relief as Marie informs him that his tests were negative, and his health metrics were normal. Mein concludes by reflecting on his fortunate outcome in contrast to the grim statistic that one in twenty tested individuals may be antibody positive, with most likely to face dire consequences. His experience encapsulates the tension and fear surrounding the A.I.D.S. epidemic at the time and underscores the importance of awareness and testing as a means to combat the stigma associated with the virus.

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