It is hoped that the sperm bank, opened in New Zealand, will help reduce stigma - Science Photo Library RM

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.

A sperm sample seen through a microscope lens. Credit: Thomas Fredberg/Science Photo Library

Men cannot directly transmit HIV to the baby in the womb. Sperm Positive donor Damien Rule-Neal was diagnosed with HIV 20 years ago but it was confirmed undetectable after starting treatment in 2001.

He said that even now there is a lack of education and understanding in New Zealand about what an undetectable status meant, and that he had experienced stigma about living with HIV in his personal life and his professional life.

“I have many friends who are also living with HIV who’ve gone on to have children,” he told local media.

“Being able to help others on their journey is so rewarding, but I also want to show the world that life doesn’t stop post-diagnosis and help to remove the stigma.”

Sperm Positive said it will be made clear to prospective clients that donors have HIV but are on effective treatment and so cannot pass the virus on.

Auckland University Associate Professor and infectious diseases expert Dr Mark Thomas said that while much has changed over the past 30 years, including public opinion, when it comes to HIV, there are still “many people living with HIV still suffer from stigma”