HIV RATES

In reply to the Hon. I.K. HUNTER (10 April 2008).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): The Minister for Health has advised:

An increase in HIV infections has been observed in most Australian states and territories over recent years and is explained for South Australia by two factors:

One is a moderate increase in infections attributed to male-to-male sex. Recent mathematical modelling by the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research concluded that this is most likely due to a slow increase in unprotected sex between men and a concurrent increase in levels of other sexually transmitted infections which increase susceptibility to HIV. The median age at infection has steadily climbed to late 30s over the same period. This indicates that this minority of men who remain vulnerable are a subgroup of the same cohort that has been exposed to safe sex messages over approximately 20 years. The Department of Health is convening a working group of prevention experts to reach men who have sex with men who remain particularly vulnerable to the risk of HIV transmission.

The second factor is an increase in HIV infections acquired in countries with a high HIV rate, or through sex with partners from such countries. The Department of Health funds an HIV prevention program targeting a range of communities of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. New prevention strategies for this population are being developed as part of the South Australian HIV Action Plan 2008-11.

There is no indication of a current or imminent HIV epidemic among the general population.

While a general community awareness campaign is a meritorious suggestion, more specifically targeted interventions are necessary to address rises in HIV infections among vulnerable groups.

I am advised that the 'Grim Reaper' campaign, though never formally evaluated, succeeded in raising the awareness of HIV/AIDS among the general population. However, the rapid behaviour change among gay men and injecting drug users that prevented HIV spreading to the general population occurred before the 'Grim Reaper' and is more likely attributable to targeted initiatives by the gay community and the introduction of clean needle programs.

The government already supports relationship education in schools as well as targeted HIV prevention programs in SA. In addition, the Department of Health contributes advice to a new national HIV/sexually transmitted infections prevention campaign targeted to men who have sex with men and young people. This $9.8 million initiative was announced by the then federal minister for health and ageing on 8 May 2007.