Tassie HIV Case on the Rise

You may have seen some recent media highlighting an increase in HIV case in Tasmania. For the second year Tasmanian data shows 14 cases of HIV diagnosed.  This is a considerable change on the previous years.

The primary concern is the fact that 6 cases are actually people who have recently acquired HIV infection, as opposed to people who have been diagnosed but may have had HIv for a longer period of time. The majority of these newly acquired infections have been among young men aged between 18-30 years of age.

TasCAHRD’s Man2Man Program recently put out its latest resource, specifically targeting younger men, focusing on HIV risks and safer sex. We are working to change our approaches to prevention work to encompass this new focus.  More generic messages must be balanced with the existing targeted approach of education among the communities most at risk. We have started placing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in a broader men’s health context and incorporating information about drug and alcohol use. We must also ensure effective sex education forms part of the core curriculum in schools.”

The Man2Man Program also conducts outreach sessions in online chat-rooms and dating sites accessed by men who have sex with men. We have certainly noticed an increase in the number of younger guys using the websites and men are certainly engaging with us about sexual health issues. We are currently looking to increase the time we are available in these sites, particularly after-hours.

Our message is if you have sex with casual partners you should be having regular sexual health checks that include HIV. The more casual hook-ups, then the more frequent testing should occur…. and you should be using condoms every time. If you have entered a new relationship make sure you practice safe sex until you have both had confirmation of your HIV status, discussed the risks and have discussed how you will manage any sex outside the relationship.

If you would like to find out more about how to prevent HIV transmission then contact Brian at the Man2Man Program on 1800 005 900 or at m2m@tascahrd.org.au 

Kevin Marriott
CEO
TasCAHRD