December 1st is just around the corner, and with it comes a variety of awareness and fundraising events around New Zealand to mark World AIDS Day 2007. Since the first AIDS diagnosis in New Zealand in 1984, 633 New Zealanders have lost their lives to the disease. It is estimated that more than 2,000 New Zealanders are living with HIV, the deadly virus which can lead to AIDS. "The vast majority of HIV transmission in New Zealand occurs sexually," says NZ AIDS Foundation Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier. "As ever, we urge the use condoms for all anal and vaginal sex without exception. Catching a virus is easy, and there's no cure for HIV - only prevention." Gay and bisexual men are the group most affected by HIV in New Zealand, with one new diagnosis recorded every five days in 2006. Overall, 177 diagnoses were recorded in 2006, the second-highest number in the history of New Zealand's epidemic, with a further 84 diagnoses in the first half of 2007. "With the advent of new antiretroviral treatments, an HIV diagnosis is not the death sentence it once was, but the serious health effects that an HIV positive person has to live with cannot be discounted,” Le Mesurier says. “Also, there is still much misinformation and prejudice surrounding HIV despite it being around for more than twenty years, and there are no pills for the stigma." All proceeds from NZAF street collections in Auckland and Wellington will go towards the NZAF Wellness Fund, which provides direct individual care and support for all those living with HIV in New Zealand, irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Those wishing to donate can also call 0900 RIBBON (742 266) to make an automatic $10 donation which will be added to your phone bill. (Please ask the bill payer first) Some of the events happening for World AIDS Day include: Wednesday 28 November World AIDS Day Movie Night - Academy Cinema from 6pm, tickets $15, three powerful documentaries in support of World AIDS Day, tickets through Positive Women (proceeds to Positive Women to support women and families living with HIV) Friday 30 November Street Collection – Britomart, K Rd, Ponsonby in Auckland from 8am Street Collections – Wellington – all day The Body Shop – all 26 branches of this retail organisation nationwide will be collecting and will have displays with condoms and posters in every shop Queen of the Whole Universe Pageant – Aotea Centre, Auckland, (proceeds to NZAF for HIV prevention work) Red Party, in Christchurch, Heaven's Above, $5 entry, from 9pm Promotion with M.A.C. in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin (proceeds to Positive Women) Saturday 1 December Rapid HIV testing - in Auckland at the Burnett Centre, Poynton Tce, bookings to be made in advance by phoning (09) 309 5560 HIV/AIDS Awareness Event, in Wellington, Cuba St, held by WISH (Wellington Information on Sexual Health), interactive event involving quizzes and spot prizes, from 12pm - 3pm Red Party, in Hamilton, Glamz, $10 entry, from 9pm Red Party, in Christchurch, Cruz, $5 entry, from 9pm
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 20th November 2007 - 11:40am