Matters of Interest

World AIDS Day

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (15:23): I rise to speak about World AIDS Day, which was observed on Monday of this week. Starting in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and is held on 1 December each year. It is recognised and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the world. People around the world show their support for people living with HIV AIDS on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness and support.

Events are held around the world, including in South Australia, to encourage all to be aware of HIV, to take action to reduce the transmission of HIV by promoting safe sex practices, and to ensure that people living with HIV can participate fully in the life of the community, free of stigma and discrimination. There were over 20 events of a wide variety hosted in South Australia for World AIDS Day this year. These included events like barbecues, workshops and advertising campaigns to increase AIDS awareness. I understand that Adelaide Oval has been going red in honour of those who have died of AIDS.

I recently hosted a World AIDS Day forum in Parliament House, with representatives of Positive Life SA. It was attended by the Minister for Health and a number of other members of parliament from Labor, Liberal, the Greens, Dignity for Disability and the Hon. John Darley's staff. Established in 1995, Positive Life SA provides programs, activities and services that promote, expand and maintain accessibility, community education, connectivity, personal education and positive health. It opens its doors to people with HIV AIDS who need advice or who just want to have a chat.

During the forum, Positive Life SA discussed how HIV impacts people in South Australia and the issues that HIV persons face, not only medical issues but issues of discrimination and homophobia as well. It was also a great opportunity for members to discuss with representatives from Positive Life the issues they faced, and how Positive Life helps the community.

The global World AIDS Day theme for this year continues on from last year's theme, Getting to Zero: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths. This theme is as important now as ever. HIV rates are at a 20-year high in Australia, with 1,236 new diagnoses in Australia in 2013. Increased awareness and action is needed if the trend of HIV infection rates is to be reversed.

An estimated 26,800 people were living with HIV infection in Australia at the end of 2013. In South Australia there are up to 1,200 people diagnosed with HIV, and it is estimated that there may be another 1,000 people living with HIV who are undiagnosed, many of whom have been living with undiagnosed HIV for several years. Without treatment, human immunodeficiency virus infections will usually result in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. New HIV therapies developed in the mid-1990s have resulted in much fewer AIDS-related illnesses and death; however, HIV remains a lifelong infection requiring lifelong treatment.

HIV is preventable. By being informed about HIV transmission and how to protect ourselves and others we can prevent the spread of HIV. We can encourage others to understand how the virus is transmitted, we can support people to access testing and treatment, and, as we know, getting treatment at an early stage of infection results in better health outcomes being achieved. We can raise awareness that HIV positive people have the right to participate in the community free of stigma and discrimination.

World AIDS Day is the day for increased awareness. I commend Positive Life for its hard work. It was encouraging to see many people participating in one of the many events on World AIDS Day and showing their support for people infected with HIV AIDS.