Tasmanian HIV Numbers Double

HIV is definitely still here!  In fact, the average number of Tasmanians diagnosed with HIV each year has more than doubled since 2008. UNAIDS recently reported the global rates of HIV infection and AIDS related deaths had fallen since the turn of the millennium.  So why are we seeing an increase here?

Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases (TasCAHRD) Executive Officer, Kevin Marriott said “While the Tasmanian data may seem insignificant in the global environment the fact remains that between 2000 and 2007 Tasmania had an average of five HIV notifications each year. Since 2008 this has more than doubled. So far this year there have been 13 Tasmanian’s diagnosed with HIV. This is significant given our small population. On the other hand, it is now very unusual for someone to die because of HIV/AIDS.” 

Despite HIV being around for some 30 years, stigma and discrimination continue to be an issue in relation to HIV/AIDS.  “The fears of stigma or discrimination are big barriers to people talking about HIV. With more people in our community living with HIV, it is vital to break down those barriers so people feel more comfortable talking about HIV, particularly when it comes to sexual partners.” says Mr Marriott.

So what is being done to address this increase?  TasCAHRD has worked alongside other community organisations and the Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Unit to develop the Hepatitis and HIV – Agenda for Action.  This document guides both government and community related program activities through to 2013.

Mr Marriott said “We need to know more about what is driving this increase? We know much of the increase is among gay men but is it a case of more men being tested due to more accessible information or that guys are just not heeding the safe-sex message. If it is the later we need to learn more about why this is happening.  In the past, most cases of HIV were diagnosed after having the virus for some time. What we are seeing is more guys presenting fairly soon after a risk has occurred.”

These increases have come at a time when information about HIV and sexually transmitted infections has become more accessible for Tasmanian men who have sex with men. Soon, TasCAHRD will be conducting a research project to look into the sexual behaviours of gay men and other men who have sex with men in Tasmania. This information will assist TasCAHRD’s Man2Man Program to develop new activities targeted at reducing HIV transmission.  

On Thursday the 1^st December the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases (TasCAHRD) and volunteers will be conducting the annual Red Ribbon Street Appeal.  This event combined with media coverage not only raises much needed funds but also increases community awareness of HIV.

The community can support Tasmanian’s living with HIV by donating to the Andrew Shaw Foundation at http://www.tascahrd.org.au/donate/ or by contacting TasCAHRD on 6234 1242.