A.i.d.s. Outlook Worse (Press, 2 April 1988)
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Summary: A.i.d.s. Outlook Worse (Press, 2 April 1988)
On 2 April 1988, John N. Hutchison reported from San Francisco about the ongoing crisis of HIV/AIDS in the city. Although there is some slight positive news regarding the rate of HIV transmission, the overall situation remains dire. Local health experts indicate that while the spread of HIV has slowed, the projected figures for diagnosed cases of AIDS by 1993 are alarming. The estimates suggest that about 17,022 residents will have been diagnosed with AIDS by that year, which is four times the current total. The San Francisco health department, noted for its expertise in managing the epidemic, forecasts that as many as 6,288 individuals will be living with AIDS in 1993. The financial implications of caring for such a large patient population are significant, with estimates that the costs could reach approximately USD 376 million (about NZD 850 million), accounting for nearly one-third of the city’s annual budget. The report outlines a grim prognosis, suggesting that more people than initially believed will transition from being HIV infected to developing AIDS. It also notes an increase in the average lifespan for those diagnosed with AIDS, projecting an average of 22 months of life by 1993, compared to the current average of 15 months. Hutchison highlights the intersection of the AIDS crisis with the city’s struggles with drug abuse, particularly emphasizing the role of intravenous drug use in the spread of HIV. Authorities point out that among drug users, the transmission of the virus via shared needles is outpacing its spread within the gay community. Despite some decline in HIV transmission rates among homosexuals, attributed to successful educational campaigns, the overall growth of the epidemic in the city continues, presenting ongoing challenges for public health officials. The editorial from the San Francisco “Examiner” reflects on the dual crises of drug abuse and AIDS, acknowledging the complexity of addressing both issues in tandem.
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