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Title : Chief Minister launches World AIDS Day
Minister : Jon Stanhope MLA
1 December 2003
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope today launched World AIDS Day 2003
at a breakfast organised by the AIDS Action Council of the ACT.
This year World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week deals with issues
of stigma and discrimination, with one of the messages being - If
you knew someone with HIV, could they tell you?
Mr Stanhope said that the campaign aims to discourage Australians
from discriminating against people living with HIV or AIDS, and
to encourage support and understanding towards those affected by
the virus.
"Discrimination is one of the most painful symptoms of HIV
and AIDS", Mr Stanhope said.
"I hope this year's promotion of World AIDS Day will challenge
people to think about their own reactions to people with HIV/AIDS.
"We can help to stop the fear, shame, ignorance and injustice
which are often the cause of discrimination against people with
HIV and AIDS."
It is estimated that there are about 40 million people in the world
who are HIV positive, with about two-thirds of them in sub-Saharan
Africa. The number of new infections worldwide during 2003 is estimated
at 5 million. It is also estimated that 3 million people have died
from AIDS during 2003.
There have been 22,775 cases of HIV notified in Australia over
the years (to 31 March 2003). By the end of March 2003 there had
been 9,039 diagnoses of AIDS and 6,277 deaths.
In the ACT (cumulative to March 2003), there have been 266 recorded
cases of HIV, 99 cases of AIDS and 75 deaths following AIDS.
"The ACT Government is committed to continuing a partnership
approach, working with community and government agencies to continue
HIV prevention efforts and providing care and support for those
affected by the virus," Mr Stanhope said.
Media Contact: Penny Farnsworth Phone: 6205 0434(w) 6282 4347(h)
0417 481 407(m)
Jon Stanhope MLA
CHIEF MINISTER
ATTORNEY GENERAL
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
MEMBER FOR GINNINDERRA
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