Guarding against an HIV epidemic within an Aboriginal community and cultural framework; lessons from NSW.
The rate of HIV diagnosis in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Australia has been stable over the past 5 years. It is similar to the rate in non-Indigenous people overall, but there are major differences in the demographical and behaviour patterns associated with infection, with a history of injecting drug use and heterosexual contact much more prominent in Aboriginal people with HIV infection. Moreover there are a range of factors, such as social disadvantage, a higher incidence of sexually transmitted infections and poor access to health services that place Aboriginal people at special risk of HIV infection. Mainstream and Aboriginal community-controlled health services have an important role in preventing this epidemic. Partnerships developed within NSW have supported a range of services for Aboriginal people. There is a continuing need to support these services in their response to HIV, with a particular focus on Aboriginal Sexual Health Workers, to ensure that the prevention of HIV remains a high priority.
Ward
James
J
National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales. jward@nchecr.unsw.edu.au
Akre
Snehal P
SP
Kaldor
John M
JM
D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003469:Culture; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006293:Health Promotion; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D040241:Social Marketing; D000095283:Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples