HIV RISES IN QUEENSLAND

HIV notifications in Queensland increased significantly in 2009 with 178 new cases reported up from 168 in 2008. Most newly diagnosed cases are people in the age group of 25 to 34.  Men were the highest group representing 88% of cases.

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young was quoted as saying “Of all HIV notifications last year in Queensland, 88 per cent were in males, and the highest notification rates were in the 25-34 years age group”.

This is the highest ever rate of HIV notification in Queensland but the figures may be partly attributed by the extensive campaigns run in 2009 encouraging people to be tested especially if they have never been tested before. Also the Queensland’s population growth can possibly attribute to the higher number of younger people being attracted to Queensland for work as our economy is still quite robust with more job opportunities.

However young gay men are being strongly encouraged to practice safe sex to help decrease the transmition of HIV in Queensland and all State and Federal health ministers will meet in the next week and will discuss the rise in HIV in Australia and future campaigns.