Unicef

Our chosen charity at the New Zealand Health Industry Awards and Benefit Gala Dinner is UNICEF and in particular to support the work they are doing in Papua, New Guinea to help the women and children living with HIV and AIDS. The statistics are alarming and it is referred to as the “Hot Spot of the South Pacific” and often called the “Africa of the South Pacific”

Papua New Guinea might not seem the obvious choice for New Zealand fundraising – out of sight and out of mind – but it’s frightening HIV and AIDS statistics, coupled with its culture of violence and subordination of women, make it a natural area for UNICEF funding and intervention.

In a population of 5 million, 1.65 per cent of the population is HIV positive. That’s the highest prevalence in South East Asia and the Pacific.

We feel very strongly that this event provides an ideal opportunity to raise the awareness of the plight of these people and to do what we can to raise funds to assist the work being carried out in Papua New Guinea. Our neighbours need our help and support. We are living in paradise by comparison so our mission is to raise as much money as possible to help alleviate their suffering.

Alison Mau who is a New Zealand UNICEF Ambassador will take us on a journey to Papua, New Guinea to see the work that is being carried out to help and support the women and children.

During the evening there is to be a charity auction where art works will be auctioned along with a variety of other prizes. There will also be the opportunity to pledge to UNICEF during the evening

“We would dearly love as many Kiwis as possible to put their hands in their pockets for these people”
- Alison Mau

"Alison visited Papua New Guinea in October last year, where she witnessed firsthand the problems the country is experiencing and how UNICEF-sponsored programmes are bringing hope to women and children with HIV."

UNICEF Photos from Papua New Guinea Top-Right: Ali with AIDS orphans Natalie and Rebecca. Bottom-Left: UNICEF NZ Ambassador Ali in Papua New Guinea Bottom-Right: Margaret Koivi has lost two daughters to the AIDS Virus.

Photos Courtesy of: Helen Bankers - Photographer www.helenbankers.com

Reference: Australian Womens Weekly, Dec 2007