The rate of new HIV transmissions is at its highest level ever in New Zealand bucking the trend from other countries and causing authorities to issue a stern warning.
The latest figures released by the University of Otago’s AIDS Epidemiology Group show that rates of new HIV transmission increased by 9% in the past 12 months to 244 cases, with the majority of those diagnosed coming from gay or bisexual men.
The steady increase since 2011 in New Zealand is completely at odds with other countries including Australia which has seen their figure remain stable for the past four years.
The New Zealand AIDS Foundation this year began a new campaign to end HIV by 2025 but this figure is now in doubt without urgent action from all bodies.
NZAF Executive Director Jason Myers said the 2025 goal will only be achieved with a sophisticated and coordinated effort.
“The rising rate of new HIV infections should be a clarion call to action for all people working in and impacted by HIV in New Zealand,” said Jason Myers.
“In an increasingly complex HIV prevention environment, we must mount the most sophisticated attack that we can.
“The world of HIV prevention has been revolutionised in recent years and the time to act is now if we are to gain the maximum benefit possible from new opportunities.”
Last Updated on May 31, 2017
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