Everyone Must Fight A.I.D.S., Meeting Told (Press, 26 September 1987)

A public meeting held as part of A.I.D.S. Awareness Week in Christchurch on 26 September 1987 highlighted the urgent need for every New Zealander to take responsibility in combating the disease. Mr. Ian Smith, the co-ordinator for the New Zealand A.I.D.S. Foundation in Christchurch, spoke to an audience of approximately 50 people. He stated that the only way to contract A.I.D.S. is by allowing the virus to enter one's body, emphasising the importance of personal responsibility in health matters. Mr. Smith identified two significant epidemics currently affecting the world: one related to A.I.D.S. and the other related to fear, or "Afraids," regarding the disease. He urged individuals to share responsible information to foster awareness and reduce the spread of A.I.D.S. He pointed out that A.I.D.S. is preventable through knowledge of safe practices, particularly relating to the avoidance of sharing needles and ensuring that bodily fluids do not enter one's body from others. At the time of the meeting, New Zealand had recorded 51 cases of A.I.D.S. and 268 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (H.I.V.), many of which could be unreported. The demographic most affected by the disease was young adults aged 20 to 35, a group typically considered to be at the peak of their careers. Dr. David Heaton, a consultant haematologist from the Canterbury Hospital Board, spoke on the disease's development. He noted that most individuals infected with H.I.V. are often unaware, as they may not display any symptoms immediately. He also mentioned the potential for the virus to be transmitted to infants through breastfeeding, though this was not fully established. The meeting addressed concerns regarding blood donation, indicating that individuals at risk of contracting the virus were responsibly refraining from donating blood, and all donated blood was being rigorously tested. Individuals seeking A.I.D.S. testing would be screened for antibodies rather than the virus itself, highlighting that those carrying the virus but lacking antibodies could receive a negative result in early stages of infection. Counselling was another vital topic discussed, as it plays a crucial role in changing behaviours that could lead to contracting A.I.D.S. People wishing to be tested were encouraged to approach their general practitioners, the A.I.D.S. Foundation, or the STD clinic at Christchurch Hospital for support. Ms. Sue Billing, an education officer from the Family Planning Association, encouraged broader views on sexuality, suggesting that sexual intercourse should not be viewed as the sole expression of it. She called for comprehensive education on sexuality and relationships, which would include A.I.D.S. information. The meeting closed with remarks from the Rev. Mark Vivian, the university chaplain, who urged church communities to actively work towards preventing A.I.D.S., while also supporting those diagnosed with the disease and their loved ones.

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