The Wire

In the Northern Territory, public health professionals are concerned about the threat posed to Indigenous people by AIDS and other blood-borne diseases. Jill Meade, Regional Manager for the AIDS and Hepatitis Council in Alice Springs, says AIDS notifications in the Territory have been rising amongst heterosexuals, demanding a re-think of educational and awareness campaigns. Ms Meade says Indigenous communities in Central Australia face an increased risk because they already have high rates of sexually transmitted infections. Craig Egert asked Ms Meade about the Council’s new awareness campaign – and she explained why the Territory faces different challenges from the rest of the country.