More women get HIV

The number of heterosexual women being diagnosed with HIV continues to grow, with Maori women particularly at risk, a six-monthly report on Aids in New Zealand reveals.

The report by the Aids Epidemiology Group at Otago University released yesterday showed gay and bisexual men remained the most at-risk group for HIV but a growing number of heterosexuals were being infected overseas, especially in Africa.

Group director Nigel Dickson said the report - for the six months to June 30 this year - showed a rising number of heterosexual infections diagnosed in recent years, with an increasing number of women being affected.

Of the 497 people diagnosed with HIV through heterosexual contact since the beginning of 1996, 414 - 83 per cent - had been infected overseas.

Dr Dickson said he did not want to suggest that the growing migrant population was causing the growth in this category.

- NZPA