Major new research could increase the number of blood donations in New Zealand by thousands if it leads to a rule change, with evidence suggesting a shift in criteria for donations from men who have sex with other men.
At the moment, men who have had sex with another man within the last three months – including gay, bisexual, takatāpui and other men – were banned from donating due to HIV concerns, even if they were in a long term relationship.
Now, a University of Auckland survey of more than 3000 men has suggested support for a rule change.
In the survey, people were asked "a lot of sensitive questions" about "the past, present and future".
Associate Professor Peter Saxton, the study's lead author, told Breakfast this morning: "It's a really exciting opportunity to share our results now... It was a really ambitious survey.
"The fact that they've trusted us with their experiences, their voices, is really exciting for us.
"It took about two months to get that sample, but it means that we can offer the Blood Service rich data from a large and diverse sample from our community."
Saxton said New Zealand needs more blood donors.
"We know that we've got more effective HIV prevention options these days, we've seen a decline in the HIV epidemic and we've seen shifts in this policy overseas.
"For example, in the UK and Canada, they've made their policy more inclusive.
"In those countries, you can now donate blood if you haven't had anal intercourse with new or multiple partners in the last three months."
Those questions are now asked of everyone who wants to donate in those countries, he added.
"It's gender-neutral so gay and bisexual men, takatāpui aren't feeling singled out.
"It also expands the number of people who can donate," Saxton said.
A key question was whether participants would be willing to donate if they became eligible, he explained.
"The overwhelming majority said they were — four out of five said they intended to donate.
"But a significant minority also said, 'Look, I'm not sure that I would trust the Blood Service because of this history of exclusion'."
Saxton said repairing that relationship would benefit everybody.
SHARE ME