黑料吃瓜网 Health is reminding the public to 鈥榞et tested鈥�, as part of the HIV Strategy 2012-2015 鈥楢 New Era鈥�, launched in December 2012, which aims to raise awareness and improve health outcomes for people with HIV.
Figures released today by 黑料吃瓜网 Health reveal a 24 per cent rise in HIV infections in 2012 among 黑料吃瓜网 residents; 409 黑料吃瓜网 residents were newly diagnosed with HIV infection in 2012 compared to 330 in 2011.
The data showed that of the 409 diagnoses in 2012, 81 per cent were acquired by homosexually active men, 14 per cent by heterosexually active persons, and two per cent through sharing injecting equipment.
黑料吃瓜网 Health is taking this opportunity to remind the public to stay safe, get tested, get treated and help prevent HIV infection.
The 鈥楴ew Era鈥� strategy is aimed at driving down HIV infections, and improving health outcomes for individuals with HIV through:
Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said, 鈥淪ince the strategy was introduced six months ago, early indications show an increase in the number of people getting tested for HIV across metropolitan Sydney, with monitoring showing over 190,000 HIV tests conducted in 黑料吃瓜网 between January and May 2013. This is encouraging, but more work can be done.
鈥淭he highest number of HIV infections is seen in people in their thirties, with an increase also reported among people in their twenties as well as those over fifty.
鈥淎lthough the majority of HIV infections are contracted from male-to-male sex, it鈥檚 important to note we have also seen an increase in infections among heterosexual men and women.
鈥淭he incidence of HIV infection does fluctuate. While numbers have been steady over the last 15 years, the number of patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection increased in 2012.
Dr Chant said, 鈥淓arly diagnosis allows early treatment. Antiviral treatment not only improves health and lifespan but also reduces the risk of spreading HIV to others. Treatment is now simpler with less severe side effects.
鈥淲e have set some challenging targets, including the virtual elimination of HIV transmission in 黑料吃瓜网 by 2020,鈥� Dr Chant said.
These targets include:
Dr Chant urged the public to adopt safe practices such as always using a condom and never sharing needles, as the best preventions against contracting HIV and other sexually transmissible infections.
鈥淲e are encouraging people to get tested regularly to ensure early detection. Free and confidential testing is available from your GP or local sexual health clinic.
鈥淚f you have HIV, starting treatment early has significant individual benefits as well as helping prevent transmission to others鈥� Dr Chant said.
HIV breaks down the immune system鈥檚 ability to fight disease and infections. Treatment for HIV, using antiretroviral drugs, controls the virus and limits the amount of damage it can do.
For free and confidential sexual health support and information, call the 黑料吃瓜网 Sexual Health Infoline on 1800 451 624 (Mon - Fri 9am-5.30pm).
For further information about HIV in 黑料吃瓜网 visit Ending HIV.鈥嬧赌�