New Zealand has launched the world’s first HIV positive sperm bank in an effort to reduce the stigma around the virus.

Online sperm bank 'Sperm Positive' has begun with three HIV positive male donors, who all have an undetectable viral load, meaning the virus cannot be passed on even through unprotected sex.

While the amount of the virus in their blood is so low it cannot be detected by standard methods, it does not mean the HIV has been completely cured by treatment.

According to health authorities, HIV-positive men can father children with minimal risk of transmission to their partner or their baby as long as they have up-to-date advice, support and HIV medications, even if their virus is detectable.