Decline in diagnoses of HIV ‘encouraging’

COVID19 restrictions may be one of the contributing factors in a decline of people being diagnosed with HIV in New Zealand.

Figures released yesterday by the University of Otago Aids Epidemiology Group showed 112 people notified with HIV last year — 67 were first diagnosed in New Zealand, 43 of whom were reported to have acquired HIV locally.

The number of diagnoses has continued to decline since the peak of 195 in 2016, and represents a 51% drop from the annual average of 137 during the previous five years (201620).

Aids Epidemiology Group leader Dr Sue McAllister said the 2021 figure was the lowest since the late 1990s, and the result was very encouraging.

‘‘The decline is likely due to the combination prevention measures of condom use, access to preexposure prophylaxis, and early testing and treatment, as well as being impacted by the continued restrictions in 2021 due to the Covid19 pandemic.

‘‘It will be important to continue monitoring these numbers as restrictions are lifted.’’

She said gay, bisexual and other men who had sex with men (MSM) were the group most affected by HIV in New Zealand.

Of the 67 people diagnosed in New Zealand last year, 41 were MSM, 20 were heterosexually acquired cases (10 men and 10 women) and six people likely acquired HIV through injecting drug use.

‘‘It is particularly encouraging to see the continued decline of MSM who were reported to have acquired HIV in New Zealand, which was 43% less than the previous year and is the lowest number since 2001.

‘‘We want to keep seeing this decline in the numbers, so it is important to continue the emphasis on prevention, particularly as the Covid19 restrictions are lifted.’’

In heterosexual men and women, the numbers had remained small and relatively stable during the past 10 years, she said.

However, about half of those men and women were diagnosed with HIV late and had not had antiretroviral treatment to control progression of their infection.

‘‘It is important for people who consider they may have been at risk to be tested for HIV and other sexually transmissible infections, regardless of sexual orientation, and for clinicians to recognise HIV as a possibility in people who present with compatible clinical signs.’’

A Ministry of Health spokesman said the continued decline of HIV notifications in New Zealand meant the country was ‘‘tracking well’’ to meet international goals to eliminate local HIV transmission.

The progress was made possible by ‘‘dedicated and compassionate work from community organisations and clinicians’’, he said.

❛ We want to keep seeing this decline in the numbers, so it is important to continue the emphasis on prevention Sue McAllister