Latest news with #TeWhatuOraHealthNZ
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: • • • •
NZ Herald
21-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Meth and mental illness: What Tauranga social workers see on the frontline
Stanley said drug, alcohol and mental health services were hamstrung by a lack of funding, lack of qualified staff and an avalanche of people seeking help. 'A lot of particularly Māori and non-government organisations are hitting the wall and until you solve all of those reasons in its entirety, it's just going to get worse.' The Government has set a workforce target of training 500 mental health and addiction professionals annually. Te Whatu Ora Health NZ told NZME it recognised there were inconsistencies in services in Tauranga, and it was working to strengthen the 'connected continuum of care'. 'Chasing our tails' Ngāi Te Rangi Oranga Whānau social worker Violet Davidson said many of her mental health clients required significant help and wraparound services. In her 24 years of experience, the issues had escalated and secondary health care services were 'backlogged'. Depression, anxiety, stress and suicide were rampant in the community, driven by poverty, trauma, intergenerational and social factors. 'These are very challenging times and some of those who are presenting need more in-depth or specialised treatment. They have severe problems. 'We're trying to provide interventions or preventions but at times it feels like we are chasing our tails and have missed the boat.' For example, some referrals for specialised treatment were declined, with people 'pushed back to their GP'. She often worked with entire families to address dysfunction stemming from multiple issues. Ngāi Te Rangi Oranga Whānau supervisor and social worker Glenn Shee said there were fewer addiction services available despite more people needing help. 'It is getting worse.' He said Ngāi Te Rangi would not turn anyone away and it was taking referrals from organisations it had not traditionally worked with. To him, the future looked bleak for those trapped in addiction. Shee was also concerned about social workers burning out as workloads increased. Study and employment criteria could work against people with criminal records who wanted to qualify as social workers. The former drug addict, who had been clean for more than 15 years, said those with life experiences similar to their clients often found it easier to break down barriers – and were living proof of life beyond addiction. Recent Social Workers Registration Board workforce reports showed more social workers were leaving the profession than entering, student numbers were the lowest since 2013, and hundreds of social workers planned to retire or leave due to high workload or burnout in the next few years. 'Battle' to get people support Ngāi Te Rangi social worker Patrick Mitchell, 65, is retiring after 23 years in the industry. He found his niche in mental health but said the 'battle to get support for those people is real and proving more difficult'. In his view, the move away from residential care had overwhelmed community mental health services. 'I think they [mental health services] are looking for behavioural problems, not mental health, so they can say 'those people don't belong here'.' Mitchell said dealing with whānau with mental health issues was 'stressful and confronting', and more training and support was needed to help workers feel confident and comfortable. Five years ago, Ngāi Te Rangi Oranga Whānau kaimahi (worker) Aaron de Ridder was in jail. The recidivist offender said his final rock bottom came when his mother and greatest supporter died when he was behind bars. 'I made a conscious decision then because I couldn't be there for my mum, my family and my kids.' Before prison, de Ridder was addicted to methamphetamine and any drugs he could get his hands on. His tribe was drug dealers, prostitutes, gang members and criminals. Following his release, he lived at Tauranga transitional facility Takitimu House and completed an array of programmes before working with people with addictions. Methamphetamine was easier to get than cannabis, de Ridder said. 'It's so cheap and readily available, which is crazy. When I started meth, it was a fulltime job to stay high because it was so expensive. Drug use in Tauranga has been 'bad for years', he said, and those using meth came from all walks of life including professionals like lawyers and business executives. In his opinion, the city needed its own residential drug rehabilitation centre. 'It's absolutely stupid when we have one of the biggest capita of drug use in the country.' Now de Ridder is on the Takitimu House board of trustees and is a member of the Kainga Tupu Taskforce, addressing homelessness in the Western Bay of Plenty. He is also studying to become an alcohol and other drugs clinician. 'I feel proud to give back to the community I took from for so many years and to support those people who are going through similar struggles.' Te Whatu Ora Health NZ responds Health NZ Te Whatu Ora Bay of Plenty group director of operations, Pauline McGrath, acknowledged access to support, especially for addiction services, had been inconsistent in the region. 'We are working to design and strengthen a more connected continuum of care—from primary and community services through to supports for people with high and complex needs." A new approach to regional planning aiming to ensure services were 'tailored to community needs' would begin in the Bay of Plenty region soon. A recent stocktake of mental health and addiction services found 43 contracted providers in Bay of Plenty and 136 across the Te Manawa Taki (Central North Island) health region. The goal of this was to give Health NZ more visibility of service locations and gaps, and how to improve local access, especially to short and medium-term residential care. 'These insights will help inform how we better connect hospital specialist services, iwi, providers, and communities to improve access and outcomes in Tauranga and across the region.' Residential treatment was available at Rotorua's Te Whare Oranga Ngakau 'through direct engagement with Ngai Te Rangi' for Tauranga residents. The workforce issues were a 'critical focus' - getting people with the right skills where they were needed. Mental health service providers had access to workforce development and post-graduate training in mental health and addiction. There were also free online training resources that any social service provider could access through workforce centres. - Additional reporting Samantha Motion
