Published Friday, 01 December, 2006 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
New HIV infections drop in Queensland
A reduction in the number of new HIV infections reported in Queensland in 2006 shows that people are heeding messages about safe sex, Health Minster Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson welcomed the latest figures ahead of officiating at a World AIDS Day event in Brisbane tonight.
“100 new HIV diagnoses were reported to Queensland Health so far this year compared with 150 in 2005,” he said.
“If the same notification rates continue for the rest of this year we will record a 20 percent decrease.”
Mr Robertson said he was hopeful the 2006 figures marked the start of a downward trend.
“The number of new HIV infections reported each year has risen steadily from 97 in 2001 to 150 in 2005 – an increase of more than 50 percent,” he said.
“The reduction this year is encouraging and shows the Beattie Government’s HIV, Hepatitis C and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2005-2011 is having an impact.
“It also shows that people are heeding messages about safe sex and are taking responsibility for preventing HIV infection.
“I’m optimistic that over coming years this downward trend will continue as our six-year program to foster sexually healthy communities takes full effect.”
Mr Robertson said Queensland was the only state to have a co-ordinated whole-of-government strategy to tackle HIV and other sexually transmissible and blood borne viral infections in the community.
“The State Government commits nearly $22 million annually for the treatment, care and prevention of HIV and other infections, including $6.5 million to non-government organisations,” he said.
“And we have extended funding arrangements for the non-government sector until 2009.
“Other initiatives include 16 sexual health clinics throughout the state to deliver supportive environments, education and prevention, early detection and appropriate care and treatment.”
Mr Robertson said World AIDS Day encouraged discussion about HIV/AIDS and promoted a better understanding of HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS.
“Queensland Health has contributed almost $40,000 to the World AIDS Day project this year to support the development of resources and regional events,” he said.
“World AIDS Day presents us with an opportunity to reflect on what we can do, as individuals and as a community, to support people living with HIV/AIDS and prevent the spread of HIV.
“It is also an important reminder to all Queenslanders not to become complacent about their sexual health and to practice safe sex.”
1 December 2006
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson welcomed the latest figures ahead of officiating at a World AIDS Day event in Brisbane tonight.
“100 new HIV diagnoses were reported to Queensland Health so far this year compared with 150 in 2005,” he said.
“If the same notification rates continue for the rest of this year we will record a 20 percent decrease.”
Mr Robertson said he was hopeful the 2006 figures marked the start of a downward trend.
“The number of new HIV infections reported each year has risen steadily from 97 in 2001 to 150 in 2005 – an increase of more than 50 percent,” he said.
“The reduction this year is encouraging and shows the Beattie Government’s HIV, Hepatitis C and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2005-2011 is having an impact.
“It also shows that people are heeding messages about safe sex and are taking responsibility for preventing HIV infection.
“I’m optimistic that over coming years this downward trend will continue as our six-year program to foster sexually healthy communities takes full effect.”
Mr Robertson said Queensland was the only state to have a co-ordinated whole-of-government strategy to tackle HIV and other sexually transmissible and blood borne viral infections in the community.
“The State Government commits nearly $22 million annually for the treatment, care and prevention of HIV and other infections, including $6.5 million to non-government organisations,” he said.
“And we have extended funding arrangements for the non-government sector until 2009.
“Other initiatives include 16 sexual health clinics throughout the state to deliver supportive environments, education and prevention, early detection and appropriate care and treatment.”
Mr Robertson said World AIDS Day encouraged discussion about HIV/AIDS and promoted a better understanding of HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS.
“Queensland Health has contributed almost $40,000 to the World AIDS Day project this year to support the development of resources and regional events,” he said.
“World AIDS Day presents us with an opportunity to reflect on what we can do, as individuals and as a community, to support people living with HIV/AIDS and prevent the spread of HIV.
“It is also an important reminder to all Queenslanders not to become complacent about their sexual health and to practice safe sex.”
1 December 2006
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680