Objective: To describe the AIDS epidemic in New Zealand, and to discus
s the reasons for an apparent decline in incidence. Methods: The AIDS
Epidemiology Group collects information on persons diagnosed with AIDS
through a compulsory notification system. Data were presented on peop
le diagnosed to the end of 1994, and reported by the end of September
1995. Results: The cumulative incidence of AIDS in New Zealand was sim
ilar to that in some other Western countries, such as the United Kingd
om, Germany and Sweden, before 1989, but has been declining since 1989
. The epidemic is concentrated among men who have sex with men (89%).
The median survival after diagnosis with AIDS is 13 months. Conclusion
s: The observed decline is not likely to be due to reporting delays or
changes in reporting or diagnostic practices. The major factor was pr
obably a rapid decline in HIV incidence among homosexual men a decade
ago, and the effective prevention of epidemics in other subgroups. The
epidemic in New Zealand started later than in other countries, enabli
ng an earlier response, and there is evidence of behaviour change in h
igh risk groups. Preventive efforts and monitoring must be maintained
in order to ensure there is no reversal of this decline.