On July 23rd US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C., and committed the USA to the goal of an AIDS-free generation. I wondered what it might take to achieve a HIV/AIDS-free Perth and Australia. UNAIDS has a Zero strategy 2011-2015 in place: Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.
Since effective HIV medication became available in Australia, AIDS related deaths have fallen dramatically, so we have made significant progress towards zero AIDS-related deaths. However, zero new HIV infections are a more challenging target to achieve. Alison Brown from the UK HIV and STI Department, Health Protection Agency gave a presentation in Washington, D.C. that estimated approximately 62% of all new infections from the U.K. resulted from people that were as yet undiagnosed. In other words the pool of people who claim to be HIV negative, but in fact are untested and have HIV, are significantly driving the HIV epidemic in the U.K., and most likely in Australia too. When this is combined with increasing rates of unprotected sex and the presence of other STI’s, then there is a strong likelihood of an increase in HIV transmissions. Fortunately in WA you can make a free HIV and STI testing appointment by calling the M Clinic 9227 0734 www.mclinic.org.au . One hopes the new technology of HIV rapid testing will soon become available when Australian regulatory authorities give the go ahead.
Given we have excellent access to testing in WA, what then is the barrier? This brings us to the last pillar, zero discrimination. People sometimes choose not to test because they fear getting a HIV positive result, and face all the complications which may follow. Such as fears of being rejected, having reduced potential partners or because they believe their sexual practices will have to significantly change. One way WAAC is reducing the fear of rejection, discrimination and social isolation is by offering an event like Planet Positive Perth, which will be held on the Saturday 13th October from 7-9pm. This social event is for people living with HIV and their friends. Creating an open and accepting culture about HIV enables everyone to test without fear of judgment, therefore supporting better protection of each other while having an awesome sex life. Hands up if you want an AIDS free Perth, Australia, World? Then get tested often, get treated straight away and nurture a culture of acceptance and care for people who have an STI. This will facilitate communication and appropriate protection. If we let go of our 80’s fear mongering hysteria and embrace our 21st century technology, then a HIV/AIDS free generation is within our grasp.
To RSVP to Planet Positive Perth contact Cipri at the WA AIDS Council on 9482 0000.
