[Greens-Media] World Aids Day a reminder of rising HIV rates

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

World Aids Day a reminder of rising HIV rates
Monday 1st December 2008

The Senate today passed an Australian Greens' motion calling for a
review of national policies and funding for HIV programs.

"I'm pleased the Senate supported my motion, calling on the Government
to review the national policies and funding on research, education and
prevention programs in order to reverse the current upward trend in the
rate of HIV infections," said Australian Greens health spokesperson
Senator Rachel Siewert.

"Today marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, instituted by the
World Health Organisation to raise public awareness about AIDS and to
promote support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS."

Globally, there are an estimated 33.2 million people living with HIV. 
In Australia, between 1981 and 2007, there were;
* 27,331 diagnoses of HIV infection;
* 10,230 diagnoses of AIDS and;
* 6,767 deaths from AIDS.

"Currently, about 16,692 people in Australia are living with HIV, and we
have seen an increase in the overall rate of new HIV diagnoses from 4 to
4.4 per 100,000."

"It is clear that HIV/AIDS is a continuing problem for a number of
Australians who deserve properly funded support from their Government,"
said Senator Siewert.
"The community continue excellent work in this field, like the launch
today of snakecondoms.com.au, which is designed to educate Aboriginal
teenagers on key issues of sexual health, drug and alcohol use."
"The Government needs to lead in this vital area of public health and
education," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180