The DHS Action Plan for 2008-2010 on HIV/AIDS – Something Borrowed: Something New - was launched at the Positive Living Centre in Prahran last week by Daniel Andrews, Minister for Health.
The Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) was also presented with a brand new Mercedes minibus worth nearly $90,000.
The plan, which forms the blueprint for all the many groups and agencies tackling the increased rates of HIV and STI transmission among gay men in Victoria, has been in operation for the past two years but has now been made public.
The plan is designed to improve partnerships between government, health sectors and the GLBTI community; acknowledge the role of HIV positive gay men and their organisations in HIV and STI prevention; and makes a commitment to health research.
“We have seen in recent times the number of infections has actually grown, and whilst the 2007 data which we will release soon shows a levelling off, we do face very substantial challenges,” said Daniel Andrews.
The data, from the Burnett-Macfarlane Institute, shows HIV infections rising at a slower rate than predicted by the recently released report from University of NSW, which suggested an overall 75 per cent increase in new infections by 2010.
“Our work will continue on from the $6.5 million and the five-point action plan already released and the HIV Taskforce and the $1.8 million of that supports a whole range of programs in this document. It’s an honest document, it’s a frank document and it will inform our decisions as we go forward,” said Andrews.
The Minister accepted the gift of a minibus from Mercedes-Benz to the Victorian AIDS Council / Gay Mens Health Centre.
“In Victoria, whether it’s supporting PLWHA’s Christmas hamper or providing the VAC with a replacement vehicle, we appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing life of positive people. I’m really pleased to see a new campaign and to see that safe sex is part of that campaign,” said Mercedes representative David McCarthy.
by DOUG POLLARD
Pictured: PLWHA president Brett Hayhoe, VAC’s Kevin Guiney, health Minister Daniel Andrews, MP Tony Lupton and David McCarthy from Mercedes-Benz.
