World AIDS Day is a day to focus on education and preventing any new HIV infections and ensure that people living with HIV are free from stigma and discrimination.

There were 14 cases of HIV diagnosed in the NT in 2014.

Unlike other parts of Australia the most common cause of HIV transmission in the Territory was through heterosexual sex, which accounted for 57.1 per cent of cases.

Male homosexual contact represented 35.7 per cent of HIV cases in the NT (Surveillance Update Vol 15, No 2, July-Sept and Oct-Dec 2014).

Dr Matthew Thalanany who heads the sexual health and blood borne virus unit said Territorians were regular travellers and it was of concern that four people had acquired the infection while travelling overseas.

“It is important to remind Territorians that many overseas countries have much higher rates of HIV and STIs than Australia and whether people are travelling for work, holidays or to visit family they need to be HIV aware and remember to pack and use condoms,” Dr Thalanany said.

While there was no cure for HIV, early diagnosis meant a person may access treatments that were highly effective in giving them a long and healthy life.

The sexual health and blood borne virus unit encourages people who may have put themselves at risk of HIV/STIs to visit their local GP or Clinic 34 to have a confidential sexual health check-up.

Media Contact:  Fred McCue - 0401 119 792 or 8999 2748