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A new fund to provide financial assistance to people with HIV has been launched by the New Zealand Aids Foundation (NZAF) this week.
The Wellness Fund is a needs-based service designed by the foundation after nationwide consultation with people affected by HIV and Aids.
NZAF national positive health manager Eamonn Smythe said the primary focus was covering health-related costs where alternative funding was unavailable.
"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," he said.
The Wellness Fund would provide grants of up to $750 per year for those on low incomes.
"These can be used to reimburse fees incurred by GPs, massage, podiatry, physiotherapy, osteopath, acupuncture, naturopathy, nutritionists, dieticians, or other health-related needs, Mr Smythe said.
Special grants of up to $3000 would be available for healthcare or services not publicly funded, such as treatment for lipoatrophy - the loss of fat from specific areas of the body.
A third grant (of up to $500 per year) for travel costs would also ease the financial burden on sufferers, Mr Smythe said.
The Wellness Fund would be maintained entirely through donations and bequests from the community.
- NZPA
