Wilson report: HIV rates projected to rise in Vic and Qld

From the March 2008 issue of Positive Living

A new HIV mathematical modelling report released by the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research (NCHECR) has raised concerns about the possibility of future rises in HIV infection rates in the next seven years if current trends continue. The report author, David Wilson arrives at mathematical predictions suggesting that HIV infection will increase in Victoria by 73.5% by 2015, with a moderate increase of 20% for Queensland over the same period. On the other hand, it suggests that NSW could see a slight decrease in HIV infection rates.

Findings from the report concluded that promoting condom useage remains the most effective intervention for interrupting HIV transmission. The importance of heightened surveillance and targeting other STIs was also seen as important and needing further consideration.

NAWPA participated as a member of the Project Steering Committee and has provided suggestions and advice on the reports findings, including a range of factors that NAPWA feels warrant further discussion and may not have been fully considered within the body of the report, especially in regards to opportunities available now to avert such projections becoming real.

Source: UNSW/NCHECR March 3, 2008

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This article was first published in March 2008.

While the content of this article was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.