Education vital in fighting AIDS
Prejudice, ignorance and fear surrounds sufferers of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and their families, according
to Wanganui Area Health Board Infection Control Officer, Phyl Van den Broek. Mrs Van den Broek spoke at a publie meeting held in Ohakune last Thursday as part of National AIDS Awareness Week. Mrs Van den Broek was guest speaker at the meeting which was attended by a small number of people. She spoke briefly about the origins of AIDS; the high risk group which predominantly consists of male homosexuals, haemophiliacs and drug addicts; the procedure for testing for the virus and the social tragedy of AIDS which affects the AIDS victim's immediate family. A video which is currently being used as educational material at Wanganui Base Hospital was shown and later discussed. 'Suzi's Story', a poignant documentary about a young Australian woman's struggle against the illness and her relationship with her family was well received by the group, who suggested approaching Televi-
sion New Zealand to secure the copyrights of the video for future screening on national television. Mrs Van den Broek said in New Zealand at present there are 50 cases of fullblown AIDS and around 200 known cases of people carrying the AIDS antibody positive element. She stressed the importance of dissipating the fear that surrounds the illness. "It is vital to educate the young people of New Zealand and to find out for ourselves as much about the virus and its prevention as possible," she said. "Sufferers of AIDS need a terrific amount of care and understanding." While there have yet been no reported cases of AIDS in the Wanganui region, Mrs Van den Broek said the hospital is well prepared to cope should the need arise.
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 18, 29 September 1987, Page 5
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292Education vital in fighting AIDS Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 18, 29 September 1987, Page 5
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