HIV is still here but no longer a death sentence - Hunter Region

Tuesday 1 December 2009 marks World AIDS Day around the world. The NSW theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is ‘HIV is still here’.

World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in an effort to reduce HIV transmission and to minimise the personal and social impacts of HIV infection.

John Hunter Hospital’s Immunology and Infectious Diseases Staff Specialist Dr Michael Boyle said currently there is no vaccine or cure for HIV, but drug treatments are available which can control the virus, delay progression to AIDS, and keep HIV positive people healthy for longer.

“However the most effective way for people to protect themselves and their partners and to contribute to reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS is still through practising safe sex through the use of condoms and by having regular sexual health check ups,” Dr Boyle said.

“HIV/AIDS is a preventable disease, and by openly talking about it we will help to generate broad community awareness and understanding. 

“Early access to HIV testing and treatment allows many people living with HIV/AIDS to live a long and fruitful life. How well they live and what opportunities are available, depends on the community’s compassionate response,” Dr. Boyle said.

“HIV can infect people of all ages and backgrounds across the Hunter New England Health region, including women, men, and children; those who are gay, straight, single, married, young and old.

“We need to continue to be informed about HIV/AIDS, in order to work towards reducing new infections as well as discrimination,” he said.

World AIDS Day coincides with Karumah Positive Living Centre’s 20^th anniversary.

According to Karumah Administrator Troy Burden, the centre is a non-government organisation that aims to provide services that enrich the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS in the Hunter region.

“To celebrate 20 years serving people living with HIV in the Newcastle area, there will be a special dinner and program during AIDS Awareness Week, which leads up to World AIDS Day. The dinner will be held at Customs House Hotel tonight (27 November) at 7pm,” Mr Burden said.

Australia-wide the number of people diagnosed with HIV has been on the increase since 1998, with an increase also in the number of newly-acquired HIV cases. Currently there are more than 20,000 Australians living with HIV/AIDS. (Source: The National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research)

While the rate of HIV notifications in NSW appears to have stabilised, to between 369 - 412 new cases per annum (2003-2007), there have been significant rises in Victoria and Queensland. Consistent with NSW trends, the rates of HIV notifications across the Hunter New England Health region also remain stable.

The public are encouraged to wear a Red Ribbon, which is the international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness, and represent an offer of support for those living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

Hunter New England Health has compiled the following list of events for World AIDS Day 2009:

Contact: Sharna McCarthy

Phone: 4921 4501