HIV rates remain stable in NSW

HIV rates continue to remain stable in NSW with 305 new cases in 2010 compared to 329 in 2009.

HIV rates have remained stable in NSW with fewer notifications in 2010 than in previous years, according to data released by state’s health department.

There were 305 new cases of HIV infection compared to 329 reported in 2009.

It is the lowest rate of recorded HIV notification since testing began.

Despite the decrease, NSW Health has continued to urge regular HIV testing with the data showing that many of the new infection cases had not been getting tested regularly for HIV.

Of the gay men who were diagnosed with HIV, only 39 per cent had been to have a test within the twelve months before their diagnosis. This was in sharp contrast to the Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey which showed that 72 per cent of HIV negative respondents said they had been to have a HIV test within the previous twelve months.

“Regular HIV testing, particularly for those who have a greater risk of contracting HIV such as sexually active gay men, raises awareness about risks, enables early diagnosis and treat of people who are infected, and helps prevent further transmission,” said Darryl O’Donnel, Acting Associate Director of NSW Health’s AIDS and Infectious Diseases Branch.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said the outcomes continues the trend of stability in HIV notifications in NSW since the late 1990s.

“We know that NSW is one of very few places in the world that has not seen a resurgence in HIV notifications among gay men over the last decade or so and it’s a tribute to gay men in NSW that it continues to be the case,” Parkhill said.

“This is actually the lowest number of annual cases recorded among gay men in NSW since HIV testing began and we are committed to working with the NSW HIV prevention partnership and our community to ensure that stability turns into sustained decline.”

“At the end of the day, it’s the collective actions of gay men which will determine how quickly we get there and we will continue to provide the information gay men require to make informed decisions about pleasure and risk.”

Gay men continue to be the largest risk group of HIV infection accounting for 75 per cent of the HIV notifications.

Parhill echoed the call of NSW Health, urging gay men to test regularly for HIV. 

“We recommend that sexually active gay men get tested at least once a year and more often if they’ve been busy. Knowledge of your own status and that of the guy you’re with gives you control.”