Latest news with #BurnettFoundation
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
S.L.U.T.S Might Be The Answer To Ending Syphilis Outbreak
Press Release – Burnett Foundation Aotearoa We hope that by flipping a sex-shaming term on its head, we can celebrate these people as heroes for taking responsibility for combatting our syphilis outbreak, says Burnett Foundation Interim General Manager Alex Anderson. A new public health campaign is reclaiming the terms SLUTS and flipping the narrative on an age-old stigmatising term, by highlighting DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) users as superheroes in their communities. The campaign S.L.U.T.S (Sexy Legends Unlikely to Transmit Syphilis) aims to encourage eligible men who have sex with men (MSM) to consider DoxyPEP as a form of preventing syphilis and chlamydia. Burnett Foundation Interim General Manager Alex Anderson says that the rising levels of syphilis have been a sign of concern since before 2020, with MSM having the highest rate of infection. 'DoxyPEP eligibility is pretty strict and limited to those individuals with the highest risk of transmission. This way we can maximise the impact of the drug while minimizing the risks of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacterial STIs,' says Mr. Anderson. Māori and Pacific people are also disproportionately affected by negative health outcomes from syphilis transmission in Aotearoa. The latest data from 2023 indicate that Māori and Pacific people were twice as likely to acquire syphilis compared to people of other ethnicities. DoxyPEP has been studied and proven effective for people assigned male at birth who are having sex with men. 'To make it easier for people to check if it's right for them, we've launched a new eligibility tool on our website, which also includes all the information our communities need to help stop the transmission of syphilis,' says Mr. Anderson. The new campaign features three gay men who become superheroes (S.L.U.T.S) by taking DoxyPEP and protecting their community from STI transmission. 'We hope that by flipping a sex-shaming term on its head, we can celebrate these people as heroes for taking responsibility for combatting our syphilis outbreak,' says Mr. Anderson. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the penis, anus, vagina or throat, and then spreads to different parts of the body through the bloodstream. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the nerves, bones, skin, eyes and brain. You can test for syphilis via a blood test, through your local sexual health clinic, GP, Burnett Foundation clinic, or as part of an STI test kit available through the Burnett Foundation website.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
S.L.U.T.S Might Be The Answer To Ending Syphilis Outbreak
A new public health campaign is reclaiming the terms SLUTS and flipping the narrative on an age-old stigmatising term, by highlighting DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) users as superheroes in their communities. The campaign S.L.U.T.S (Sexy Legends Unlikely to Transmit Syphilis) aims to encourage eligible men who have sex with men (MSM) to consider DoxyPEP as a form of preventing syphilis and chlamydia. Burnett Foundation Interim General Manager Alex Anderson says that the rising levels of syphilis have been a sign of concern since before 2020, with MSM having the highest rate of infection. 'DoxyPEP eligibility is pretty strict and limited to those individuals with the highest risk of transmission. This way we can maximise the impact of the drug while minimizing the risks of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacterial STIs,' says Mr. Anderson. Māori and Pacific people are also disproportionately affected by negative health outcomes from syphilis transmission in Aotearoa. The latest data from 2023 indicate that Māori and Pacific people were twice as likely to acquire syphilis compared to people of other ethnicities. DoxyPEP has been studied and proven effective for people assigned male at birth who are having sex with men. 'To make it easier for people to check if it's right for them, we've launched a new eligibility tool on our website, which also includes all the information our communities need to help stop the transmission of syphilis,' says Mr. Anderson. The new campaign features three gay men who become superheroes (S.L.U.T.S) by taking DoxyPEP and protecting their community from STI transmission. 'We hope that by flipping a sex-shaming term on its head, we can celebrate these people as heroes for taking responsibility for combatting our syphilis outbreak,' says Mr. Anderson. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the penis, anus, vagina or throat, and then spreads to different parts of the body through the bloodstream. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the nerves, bones, skin, eyes and brain. You can test for syphilis via a blood test, through your local sexual health clinic, GP, Burnett Foundation clinic, or as part of an STI test kit available through the Burnett Foundation website. To find out more about about DoxyPEP visit Supplementary information: S.L.U.T.S launch video: In 2023, MSM represented 59.2% of the 736 cases in Aotearoa. Of all infectious syphilis cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2023, 204 cases (47%) were European/Other, 87 (20%) were Asian, 67 (15%) were Māori, 33 (8%) were Pacific, 33 (8%) were MELAA, and 12 cases were of unknown ethnicity.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Local HIV Diagnoses In Decline, Challenges To Achieving Elimination Goal
Press Release – Burnett Foundation Aotearoa There were also 28 people diagnosed with AIDS in 2024, with 18 (64%) being MSM. This is the highest number of local AIDS diagnoses since 2010. Over 70% of these people (20) were diagnosed with AIDS within 3 months of their HIV diagnosisindicating … There were 38 gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) who acquired HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand last year, a decrease from the previous year and continuing the overall downward trend since the peak of 97 in 2016. The 2024 HIV and AIDS notification data was released today by the University of Otago AIDS Epidemiology group. There were also 28 people diagnosed with AIDS in 2024, with 18 (64%) being MSM. This is the highest number of local AIDS diagnoses since 2010. Over 70% of these people (20) were diagnosed with AIDS within 3 months of their HIV diagnosis—indicating late HIV diagnoses. Burnett Foundation Interim General Manager, Alex Anderson, says it is worrying that we are still seeing people being diagnosed with AIDS, a sign of a late diagnosis of HIV-infection that developed into AIDS. 'If we are going to achieve our 2030 goal of eliminating local HIV transmission, we need to see everyone at-risk of acquiring HIV in regular systems of testing. If HIV is diagnosed early, it helps stop further transmission and ensures better health outcomes for recently diagnosed people.' Mr. Anderson says that while numbers are trending down, work is needed to ensure equitable access to testing, prevention and education. 'We are seeing continued decline in local HIV acquisitions, but the new data show it is mostly in European MSM. We are not seeing the same decline in Māori and Pacific people. It is imperative that nobody is left behind in our response,' says Mr. Anderson. Of the MSM who acquired HIV in New Zealand in 2024, 8 were European while 16 were Māori, 5 were Pacific people, 6 Asian and 3 were of another or unknown ethnicity. 'We are working with community to ensure our messages reaches those who need it most. Our free HIV self-test vending machines around the country are making testing more accessible to all. We are also advocating to make PrEP more accessible from a wider range of nurses, pharmacies and community orgs to increase uptake of this important prevention tool,' says Mr. Anderson. The government's National HIV Action Plan received a one-year funding extension in Budget 2025, now running through to the 2028/29 financial year. The Action Plan's goal is a 90% reduction in locally acquired infections compared to the 2010 baseline by 2030 as well as ensuring that people living with HIV have healthy lives free from stigma and discrimination. 'This is a clear signal that the government continues to see value in the Action Plan, although we'll be watching closely how this additional funding is prioritised and commissioned by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ,' says Mr. Anderson. A recent study showed that every $1 invested in Burnett Foundation Aotearoa means $5.05 saved for the New Zealand public, in HIV acquisitions prevented. Mr. Anderson says that the Foundation is also watching the growing HIV outbreak in Fiji, and cuts to global HIV funding, with concern. 'We must ensure our local response remains strong, with a growing number of people being unable to access prevention and treatment overseas, there is a real risk of rising global transmission. We are looking at ways we can support our local Fijian communities as there are strong migrant connections between our two countries. We are aware how an outbreak in Fiji can affect our own response here. We must work together to ensure there is a strong, coordinated regional response.' Notes: There were three trans women who acquired HIV in Aotearoa last year. Although data on HIV diagnoses among trans populations has only been collected since 2017, and increasing awareness of gender diversity among healthcare providers is likely improving reporting, it remains crucial that we monitor emerging population groups closely and ensure our prevention tools are both accessible and inclusive. Living with HIV is a manageable condition for most Kiwis in 2024. People living with HIV who are on effective treatment, with an undetectable viral load, have zero chance of passing on HIV to their sexual partners. Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, along with our sector partners Positive Women Inc., Toitū te Ao and Body Positive Inc., provide a broad range of support services and information for people living with HIV, to support the HIV response in Aotearoa New Zealand. Anyone can visit our websites or contact us to discuss how we can best support them: • •
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Local HIV Diagnoses In Decline, Challenges To Achieving Elimination Goal
There were also 28 people diagnosed with AIDS in 2024, with 18 (64%) being MSM. This is the highest number of local AIDS diagnoses since 2010. Over 70% of these people (20) were diagnosed with AIDS within 3 months of their HIV diagnosisindicating … There were 38 gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) who acquired HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand last year, a decrease from the previous year and continuing the overall downward trend since the peak of 97 in 2016. The 2024 HIV and AIDS notification data was released today by the University of Otago AIDS Epidemiology group. There were also 28 people diagnosed with AIDS in 2024, with 18 (64%) being MSM. This is the highest number of local AIDS diagnoses since 2010. Over 70% of these people (20) were diagnosed with AIDS within 3 months of their HIV diagnosis—indicating late HIV diagnoses. Burnett Foundation Interim General Manager, Alex Anderson, says it is worrying that we are still seeing people being diagnosed with AIDS, a sign of a late diagnosis of HIV-infection that developed into AIDS. 'If we are going to achieve our 2030 goal of eliminating local HIV transmission, we need to see everyone at-risk of acquiring HIV in regular systems of testing. If HIV is diagnosed early, it helps stop further transmission and ensures better health outcomes for recently diagnosed people.' Mr. Anderson says that while numbers are trending down, work is needed to ensure equitable access to testing, prevention and education. 'We are seeing continued decline in local HIV acquisitions, but the new data show it is mostly in European MSM. We are not seeing the same decline in Māori and Pacific people. It is imperative that nobody is left behind in our response,' says Mr. Anderson. Of the MSM who acquired HIV in New Zealand in 2024, 8 were European while 16 were Māori, 5 were Pacific people, 6 Asian and 3 were of another or unknown ethnicity. 'We are working with community to ensure our messages reaches those who need it most. Our free HIV self-test vending machines around the country are making testing more accessible to all. We are also advocating to make PrEP more accessible from a wider range of nurses, pharmacies and community orgs to increase uptake of this important prevention tool,' says Mr. Anderson. The government's National HIV Action Plan received a one-year funding extension in Budget 2025, now running through to the 2028/29 financial year. The Action Plan's goal is a 90% reduction in locally acquired infections compared to the 2010 baseline by 2030 as well as ensuring that people living with HIV have healthy lives free from stigma and discrimination. 'This is a clear signal that the government continues to see value in the Action Plan, although we'll be watching closely how this additional funding is prioritised and commissioned by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ,' says Mr. Anderson. A recent study showed that every $1 invested in Burnett Foundation Aotearoa means $5.05 saved for the New Zealand public, in HIV acquisitions prevented. Mr. Anderson says that the Foundation is also watching the growing HIV outbreak in Fiji, and cuts to global HIV funding, with concern. 'We must ensure our local response remains strong, with a growing number of people being unable to access prevention and treatment overseas, there is a real risk of rising global transmission. We are looking at ways we can support our local Fijian communities as there are strong migrant connections between our two countries. We are aware how an outbreak in Fiji can affect our own response here. We must work together to ensure there is a strong, coordinated regional response.' Notes: There were three trans women who acquired HIV in Aotearoa last year. Although data on HIV diagnoses among trans populations has only been collected since 2017, and increasing awareness of gender diversity among healthcare providers is likely improving reporting, it remains crucial that we monitor emerging population groups closely and ensure our prevention tools are both accessible and inclusive. Living with HIV is a manageable condition for most Kiwis in 2024. People living with HIV who are on effective treatment, with an undetectable viral load, have zero chance of passing on HIV to their sexual partners. Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, along with our sector partners Positive Women Inc., Toitū te Ao and Body Positive Inc., provide a broad range of support services and information for people living with HIV, to support the HIV response in Aotearoa New Zealand. Anyone can visit our websites or contact us to discuss how we can best support them: • • • •
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Local HIV Diagnoses In Decline, Challenges To Achieving Elimination Goal
There were 38 gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) who acquired HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand last year, a decrease from the previous year and continuing the overall downward trend since the peak of 97 in 2016. The 2024 HIV and AIDS notification data was released today by the University of Otago AIDS Epidemiology group. There were also 28 people diagnosed with AIDS in 2024, with 18 (64%) being MSM. This is the highest number of local AIDS diagnoses since 2010. Over 70% of these people (20) were diagnosed with AIDS within 3 months of their HIV diagnosis—indicating late HIV diagnoses. Burnett Foundation Interim General Manager, Alex Anderson, says it is worrying that we are still seeing people being diagnosed with AIDS, a sign of a late diagnosis of HIV-infection that developed into AIDS. 'If we are going to achieve our 2030 goal of eliminating local HIV transmission, we need to see everyone at-risk of acquiring HIV in regular systems of testing. If HIV is diagnosed early, it helps stop further transmission and ensures better health outcomes for recently diagnosed people.' Mr. Anderson says that while numbers are trending down, work is needed to ensure equitable access to testing, prevention and education. 'We are seeing continued decline in local HIV acquisitions, but the new data show it is mostly in European MSM. We are not seeing the same decline in Māori and Pacific people. It is imperative that nobody is left behind in our response,' says Mr. Anderson. Of the MSM who acquired HIV in New Zealand in 2024, 8 were European while 16 were Māori, 5 were Pacific people, 6 Asian and 3 were of another or unknown ethnicity. 'We are working with community to ensure our messages reaches those who need it most. Our free HIV self-test vending machines around the country are making testing more accessible to all. We are also advocating to make PrEP more accessible from a wider range of nurses, pharmacies and community orgs to increase uptake of this important prevention tool,' says Mr. Anderson. The government's National HIV Action Plan received a one-year funding extension in Budget 2025, now running through to the 2028/29 financial year. The Action Plan's goal is a 90% reduction in locally acquired infections compared to the 2010 baseline by 2030 as well as ensuring that people living with HIV have healthy lives free from stigma and discrimination. 'This is a clear signal that the government continues to see value in the Action Plan, although we'll be watching closely how this additional funding is prioritised and commissioned by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ,' says Mr. Anderson. A recent study showed that every $1 invested in Burnett Foundation Aotearoa means $5.05 saved for the New Zealand public, in HIV acquisitions prevented. Mr. Anderson says that the Foundation is also watching the growing HIV outbreak in Fiji, and cuts to global HIV funding, with concern. 'We must ensure our local response remains strong, with a growing number of people being unable to access prevention and treatment overseas, there is a real risk of rising global transmission. We are looking at ways we can support our local Fijian communities as there are strong migrant connections between our two countries. We are aware how an outbreak in Fiji can affect our own response here. We must work together to ensure there is a strong, coordinated regional response.' Notes: There were three trans women who acquired HIV in Aotearoa last year. Although data on HIV diagnoses among trans populations has only been collected since 2017, and increasing awareness of gender diversity among healthcare providers is likely improving reporting, it remains crucial that we monitor emerging population groups closely and ensure our prevention tools are both accessible and inclusive. Living with HIV is a manageable condition for most Kiwis in 2024. People living with HIV who are on effective treatment, with an undetectable viral load, have zero chance of passing on HIV to their sexual partners. Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, along with our sector partners Positive Women Inc., Toitū te Ao and Body Positive Inc., provide a broad range of support services and information for people living with HIV, to support the HIV response in Aotearoa New Zealand. Anyone can visit our websites or contact us to discuss how we can best support them: • • • •
