Christian charity ACET says it has succeeded in reaching even more people in the fight against HIV and Aids during 2008.

In a Christmas message sent to leaders of the ACET International Alliance, the UK chief executive, Peter Fabian said there was much to be positive about.

Russia, in particular, had reported success in Aids prevention work, he said.

“The recent Aids statistics shows that the number of new HIV infections is growing in Russia. At the same time we have indicators from several cites where ACET is working that there are no new HIV infections registered from the beginning of 2008 amongst teenagers,” he said.

“Doctors at Aids centres are very surprised by it and they say it is probably because of successful Aids prevention work. This is a big change compared to the past.”

He called on the church to be at the forefront of efforts to tackle HIV and Aids and encouraged ACET leaders to continue working for the cause in the love of God.

“Despite the fact we are spread across 23 countries I believe we are a team united in our love for God and by a common cause – to mobilise the church and to develop effective responses to HIV/Aids.”