16 Mar 2009

Maori over-represented in AIDS statistics

9:27 pm on 16 March 2009

An Otago University study has found Maori women and children are more at risk of contracting AIDS than any other ethnic group.

Maori public health organisation Te Puawai Tapu Trust says the study shows 40% of people being diagnosed with late-stage AIDS are Maori women. It also shows more Maori children are being born with AIDS than children from other ethnic groups.

Te Puawai Tapu mana whakahaere, or executive director, Karanga Morgan, says sexual health education has not kept up with changes in Maori relationships. She says young Maori are clearly not learning enough about safe and responsible sex.