The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) aims to achieve its vision of a world without HIV and AIDS through its mission of preventing the transmission of HIV and supporting those affected by HIV to maximise their health and wellbeing.

The NZAF’s work to prevent the transmission of HIV in New Zealand is detailed in the HIV Prevention Plan 2009-2014.  Alternatively, you can view our Logic Model here, which provides a concise summary of the plan.

Get it On!

The NZAF has created Get it On!, a social marketing programme aimed at building a condom culture across New Zealand.  Get it On! is the main thrust of all NZAF condom promotion work, and aims to encourage the groups most at risk from HIV in New Zealand to use condoms every time they have sex, and for  the significant others (friends, family, whānau, colleagues) of the groups most at risk of HIV in New Zealand to support them to make wise health decisions.  To find out more about Get it On!, please visit www.getiton.co.nz.

To find out more about how the NZAF aims to prevent the transmission of HIV in New Zealand, please go the NZAF HIV Prevention Plan 2009 – 2014.    

Increasing condom use between gay and bisexual men

Unprotected anal intercourse between gay and bisexual men is the single greatest risk behaviour for HIV transmission in New Zealand.  In New Zealand, around 60% of sexually active gay and bisexual men use condoms regularly when they have anal sex with casual partners, while 20% report condom use some or all of the time.  For HIV rates to decrease, men who regularly use condoms need to be supported to maintain their healthy behaviours, while others must be encouraged to increase their condom use.  

Some of our work in this area includes:  

• Bro Online
• The Get it On! Big Gay Out
• SAM Touchscreens
• Sex on Site venue work
• Love Life Fono
• Hui Takatāpui
• Get it On! sponsorship of key rainbow communities events.

Increasing STI and HIV testing rates for gay and bisexual men

Many gay and bisexual men do not know their HIV status and many have not had an HIV test for many years.  Additionally, men living with HIV in New Zealand are more likely to have been diagnosed with an STI in their lifetime.  STIs present in the body increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, and early detection could lead to fewer new HIV infections.  

The challenge for an effective HIV prevention response is to ensure that there is not a contradictory message; condoms work to stop HIV, but everyone should still test for HIV regardless.  The NZAF seeks to ensure appropriate levels of testing, while not undermining the central principle that condoms and lube work to prevent HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently.  Consistency of use is a key challenge, and for those that have unprotected sex, testing is extremely important.

NZAF work in this area includes:

• 0800 80 AIDS redevelopment to include direct transfer option to book a test
• SAM Touchscreen Test booking.

Future initiatives may include:

• TXT reminders
• Bring a Mate to Test scheme.

Increasing rates of condom use for first anal sex between men

NZAF research has shown that men who use condoms the first time they have anal intercourse are far more likely to continue using condoms for anal sex over the course of their lives. Around 50% of men who have sex with men have had anal sex by the time they are twenty years old, and around 96% by the time they are thirty.  To build an HIV resilient New Zealand, young gay and bisexual men must be a key focus of NZAF HIV prevention initiatives.

NZAF work in this area includes:

• www.curious.org.nz (in partnership with Rainbow Youth)
• Get it On! sponsorship of youth events

Increasing rates of condom use within New Zealand-based African communities

The second population group most at risk from HIV in New Zealand are the African communities based in New Zealand.   The vast majority of HIV transmission for people living with HIV in these communities occurred overseas.

While onwards transmission within New Zealand-based African communities remains very low, it is important to focus on these communities given the relatively high number of people living with HIV.

NZAF work in this area includes:

• Influencing African community leaders to encourage condom use
• Youth workshops
• Our Community Educators Programme
• Get it On! sponsorship of key African events