Health Department Warns On A.I.D.S. (Press, 29 September 1987)

The Health Department of New Zealand has projected that by 1996, more than 20,000 residents could be affected by A.I.D.S., highlighting the severe economic implications of this growing public health issue. In a briefing to Health Minister Mr Caygill, the department indicated that to effectively manage the rising number of cases, it would need to double its resources each year for A.I.D.S. treatment. The consequences of this epidemic, both socially and economically, could be significant for individuals, families, communities, and the nation. Currently, A.I.D.S. primarily affects sexually active homosexual males and intravenous drug users; however, the Health Department warns that the virus is likely to spread to the wider population. They emphasised that the impact of A.I.D.S. is bound to touch everyone in some way. Treatment costs for established A.I.D.S. patients range from NZ$35,000 to NZ$50,000 annually, and with the introduction of new anti-A.I.D.S. medications, this figure could rise to approximately NZ$70,000 per patient per year. Such financial demands could strain the health care system significantly. As of the report, there were 253 identified cases of A.I.D.S. antibodies in New Zealand, with 45 confirmed A.I.D.S. cases, of which 21 had resulted in death. The department noted that internationally, reported A.I.D.S. cases tend to double every year. If this pattern holds true in New Zealand, the number of cases could rise to around 500 by 1991. Minister Caygill expressed concern over the alarming estimate of 20,000 cases by 1996, acknowledging it as a potential outcome if no proactive measures are taken. He described the projection as an extrapolated risk based on current trends and highlighted the need for improved public awareness regarding A.I.D.S. transmission. He noted that initiatives like A.I.D.S. Awareness Week are part of the effort to enhance understanding and communication about the disease. In response to a query about making it easier for educators to discuss A.I.D.S. with students, Mr Caygill stated that this falls under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Justice, who oversees the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act, thus underlining the complexities of public health policy and education regarding sensitive health issues.

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