Health Minister Tony Abbott has unveiled a new HIV prevention campaign specifically targeting gay men through adverts in mainstream media to the tune of $10 million. It’s the Federal government’s response to tackling a rise in HIV infections across the nation. Long gone are the days of grim reaper-styled scare tactic campaigns. “It’s about getting the necessary information to people who need it the most,” Mr Abbott said. “What we need is responsible behaviour.”
Gay men make up more than 80% of HIV infections in Australia. A Ministerial Advisory Committee on AIDS, Sexual Health and Hepatitis believes a younger generation and men in their 30’s do not understand the threats of HIV and are not getting the message about the importance of safe sex.
The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) believes that although $10 million does not buy many prime time slots on national television, if correctly targeted towards programs with a high gay and lesbian following, it would be an excellent start and would prove cost effective. Executive Director of the AFAO, Dan Baxter, went on to say that he hoped HIV prevention campaigns would become routinely aired, as are other major health issues.
