Australia: Health Groups Unite to Fight HIV RiseNovember 25, 2003 A new HIV prevention campaign developed by New South Wales
Health in collaboration with major HIV organizations aims to
combat the recent rise in HIV infections. The HIV Prevention
Action Plan media campaign has three messages: HIV risk from
unprotected sex is higher than it was 12 months ago; STDs such as
syphilis are increasing and having an STD can facilitate both HIV
acquisition and transmission; and the most effective protection
is to consistently use condoms.
Adapted from:Community partners in the campaign include the AIDS Council of New South Wales (ACON), People Living with HIV/AIDS New South Wales, the Australian Society for HIV Medicine and metropolitan health services. "We think that the increase in 2002 was a disturbing increase," said Lisa Ryan of NSW Health. "For there to be a further increase in 2003, we think there's something really significant going on and we would ask gay men who aren't consistently practicing safe sex to think really carefully about the risk that they may be taking," she said. "The increase in figures has meant that we all want to invest energy in getting this under control, and if that means working more closely together than we may have done previously, if that can deliver a better outcome, then that's what we're looking for," said ACON President Adrian Lovney. Back to other news for November 25, 2003 Sydney Star Observer 11.20.03; Tim Benzie This article was provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update. |