HIV numbers appear to be on the downward slope, new figures show. The Aids Epidemiology Group statistics released today showed an overall decline in the numbers of new HIV diagnoses with 156 recorded last year compared to 177 in 2006. The figures also showed a significant reduction in diagnoses among heterosexual men and women, from 85 in 2006, to 60 in 2007.

New Zealand Aids Foundation executive director Eamonn Smythe said, while the results were encouraging, he would have liked a drop in the number of gay and bisexual men with HIV. "Diagnoses among gay and bisexual men reached a peak in 2005, and came down in 2006, which was encouraging," he said. "Although we are pleased there has not been an increase, it is unfortunate that we have not seen a further reduction this year. "These numbers are still equivalent to one new diagnosis every five days."

Mr Smythe said that as has been the case for the last two decades of heterosexual HIV cases in New Zealand, most people were infected overseas in countries where the virus had a high prevalence. "HIV is at very high levels in some parts of the world, so this is a timely reminder for New Zealanders travelling overseas to remember to use condoms," Mr Smythe said.

The report raised concern over the level of undiagnosed HIV, estimating that of about 1500 people with HIV in New Zealand, 340 were undiagnosed. "We recommend that if you've been having unprotected sex, you should have yourself screened for HIV," Mr Smythe said.

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