HIV fund for sufferers in New Zealand

The New Zealand Aids Foundation (NZAF) has launched a new fund to provide financial assistance to people with HIV in the country.

A needs-based service, called the Wellness fund, would provide grants of up to $750 peer year for HIV sufferers on low incomes. The fund will be maintained entirely through donation.

Eamonn Smythe, NZAF national positive health manager, said in a press release: "Despite substantial improvements made over the last decade in the treatment of HIV, New Zealanders living with the virus continue to face significant and diverse challenges in maintaining their health and wellbeing."

The $750 grant can be used to reimburse fees incurred from all treatments and other health-related needs, Mr Smyhte added.

Other special grants of up to $3,000 may be available for healthcare which is not publicly funded.

Figures from the World Health Organisation say around 33.2 million people are living with HIV around the world, and the latest estimates suggest there are approximately 1,400 HIV sufferers in New Zealand.