Following Pope’s welcoming comments on the use of condoms, this year’s World AIDS Day is expected to hail a fresh, new air. The day is marked globally on December 1, in a view to raise awareness towards the rising HIV figures and the impact of AIDS on communities in New Zealand.

As per the recent figures, in 2009, a total of 151 new diagnosis of HIV were recorded in New Zealand. Besides, a recent report from the Ministry of Health has estimated that over 1,500 to 2,000 people in New Zealand are surviving with the fatal ailment at present.

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) aims to center their whole emphasis on HIV for the World AIDS Day appeal on Friday, November 26 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The event welcomes donation and will be acknowledged with a red ribbon, the strong symbol of World AIDS Day.

Rachael Le Mesurier, New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) Executive Director outlined, "There is a perception that things are ok now. But the reality is there are now more people living with HIV than ever before".

For those seeking to make donations can log onto nzaf org nz/ and donate. To get more information about World AIDS Day or to volunteer, visit nzaf org nz.