12:00a.m. 1st December 2008

Sunshine Coast residents are being urged to take personal responsibility in the fight to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by being informed about how to protect themselves and others.

Recent studies show HIV infection rates are on the rise and the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day today serves as a reminder that HIV/AIDS is a serious problem in Australia, not just overseas.

In 2007, 166 Queenslanders were diagnosed with HIV infection, representing a 17% increase on the 2006 figure. Fifteen people were diagnosed with AIDS in 2007.

Last year it was estimated almost 1700 people were living with HIV/AIDS and accessing care in Queensland.

Sunshine Coast HIV and Sexual Health Clinic (Clinic 87) director Dr Kuong Taing said people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS could take control of their illness and enjoy life. But he said a tendency towards complacency was one of the biggest threats to controlling the infection’s spread because the level of fear evident in past years had decreased.

“Not only that, but the HIV population has become more complacent and they may not be aware that they can be infected with a drug-resistant virus which renders the antiretroviral medications they are on ineffective,” Dr Taing said.

Dr Taing said people who were educated about the infection tended to be more accepting towards sufferers and it was important to continue education to reduce that prejudice and discrimination.

“But we can enjoy a healthy sex life by protecting ourselves and/or our partners from infection by practising safe sex and for those who inject drugs to never share injecting equipment,” he said.

“We can regularly test those at risk and, if found to be HIV positive, they may need to start treatments to enable people to get on with their lives: that is, keep them alive and in good health.

“While HIV can be managed with drug treatments, it can be a debilitating, life-threatening and lifelong disease with no cure.

“An infection like HIV places a huge strain on relationships.”

People can support World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon and talking about HIV/AIDS with friends and family.

The ribbons and information will be available in the Nambour hospital foyer from today to Friday from 9am.