Tuesday 1 December 2009
Today (Tuesday 1 December) is the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day, marking the finish of AIDS Awareness Week (25 November - 1 December) and a time to reinforce the all-important safe sex message.
James Broadfoot, DHF Head of Sexual Health said the 2009 World AIDS Day theme of 'HIV doesn't discriminate - Get tested, stay protected' is right on target.
"This theme has been adopted to promote awareness of the fact that increasing numbers of people in the NT are acquiring HIV through unprotected heterosexual sex."
"World AIDS Day and HIV Awareness Week reminds us to renew our commitment to encouraging the practise of safe sex by using condoms," Mr Broadfoot said.
"From January to June, we had 10 new notifications of HIV in the NT, which highlights the fact that more care needs to be exercised to stop the spread of HIV."
Territorians are being asked to wear Red Ribbons to symbolise the commitment to overcome the prejudice and stigma that surrounds AIDS and HIV.
In Australia, an estimated 17 444 people live with HIV infection with an estimated 33 million people living with HIV globally.
Various events will be held across the NT to celebrate World AIDS Day, including a breakfast in Darwin today, a live broadcast by CAAMA in Alice Springs and the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC) Open Day December 2 from 11 am-2 pm.
The key message from DHF is to practise safe sex using condoms, water based lubrication and to get tested regularly.
Free confidential screening for STIs is available from Clinic 34 in Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy and Katherine. To find out more visit www.safesexnoregrets.nt.gov.au.
For further information on World AIDS Day activities in the NT call the NT AIDS and Hepatitis Council on 8941 1711 or visit www.ntahc.org.au.
For more information on World AIDS Day and HIV visit www.worldaidsday.org.au.
Media contacts: Anna Campbell 0401 116 144, Darrel Trueman 0401 116 203
