10 More HIV Cases In Top End

The Territory has the nation’s highest rate of heterosexually-acquired HIV, health officials have warned in the lead-up to Christmas.

Seventy per cent of new HIV cases diagnosed between January 2000 to November 2004 in the NT have been heterosexually acquired.

This compares with a rate of 18 percent of heterosexually-acquired HIV in the rest of the country in 2003.

Ten more Territory residents have been diagnosed with the potentially fatal virus since January 1 this year.

Of these, seven were heterosexual (three men, and four women.)

Doctor Anuja Kulatunga, registrar at Clinic 34 (the Government-funded sexual health clinic,) said the age range of those newly diagnosed this year was 20 to 50 years, with most in their mid 30s.

Dr Kulatunga said a six-month “If It’s Not On, It’s Not On” campaign run in 2003 and targeting Darwin women aged 18 – 30 had not changed people’s behaviour.

“This shows people need to be made aware constantly and education campaigns need to be continued.”

Dr Kulatunga warned that risky behaviour by Top Enders on holiday overseas had led to some of the 10 local residents acquiring HIV.

“Darwin is so close to South-East Asia and is a cheaper destination for Top Enders,” she said.

“Unfortunately people are not being careful when they go on holiday and get into situations where they are being exposed to infections they did not bank on getting.

“I would say please use protection as there is no medication available to get HIV out of the body. Some people can have HIV 8 – 10 years before the symptoms show.”

“If you are in doubt you can have a free screening.”

There have been 108 cases of HIV diagnosed in the NT since 1991.

Sexual health educator Jan Holt said a review of the “If It’s Not On, It’s Not On” campaign was done in June 2003.

Young women were asked to provide recommendations.

“One recommendation was that we target the younger people and include men, not just women,” Ms Holt said.

She said a second campaign was begun in April aimed at 15 – 19-year-olds, with a particular focus on avoiding sexually transmitted diseases.

The campaign is running on Radio Larrakia until February 2005.

Ms Holt said it was hoped the campaign would also be run on commercial radio.

Clinic 34 is on the ground floor of Health House, 87 Mitchell St.

Phone 89992678 for an appointment.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 22nd December 2004
Source: The Darwin Sun
Author: Geraldine Green
Website:http://www.thedarwinsun.com