Dr Mark Thomas, of Auckland, CNZM for services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and antibiotic research
Dr Mark Thomas is an Infectious Diseases Physician. He began supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, advocating for better treatments and reducing stigma. He helped establish and provide clinical support for the New Zealand Aids Foundation (now the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa). He gave numerous educational sessions about HIV/AIDS, including writing the book ‘HIV Explained’. He has contributed to multiple national advisory bodies and has assisted community organisations supporting people living with HIV/AIDS. He has conducted extensive research on antibiotic use, helping to develop programmes to optimise their use. He developed educational resources to limit unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and improve prescribing initiatives. Dr Thomas has been instrumental in writing and development of the New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action plan and other key reports and policy.