At a glance: New Zealand

New Zealand launches UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE AGAINST AIDS Campaign

© UNICEF New Zealand/2005/Newman

A traditional ceremonial welcome in Auckland Town Hall kicked off the New Zealand launch of the Unite for Children Unite for AIDS Campaign.

By Georgina Newman

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 25 October 2005 – Pacific Island dancers and drummers gave a traditional ceremonial welcome to launch the UNITE FOR CHILDREN  UNITE AGAINST AIDS Campaign in New Zealand.

New Zealand is part of the community of South Pacific nations. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the South Pacific is rising and the potential exists for much more rapid spread of the virus in the future. Without further action to reverse this trend, the very existence of some Pacific Island nations and their unique cultures could be threatened.

© UNICEF New Zealand/2005/Newman

Pacific Island dancers perform for media and guests at the New Zealand launch.

"The impact of an accelerated HIV infection rate in the South Pacific could annihilate all the development achievements in the last 30 years and it will be children and young people who suffer the greatest impact," said UNICEF NZ Executive Director Dennis McKinlay.

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