Tasmanian funds bound for overseas AIDS programs

The Tasmanian Council on AIDS, hepatitis, and related diseases says it's received a big response to a fundraising drive to provide HIV education in Africa and Papua New Guinea.

Yesterday marked World AIDS Day, bringing an end to AIDS Awareness Week.

The Chief Executive Officer of the council Kevin Marriott says so far nearly $5,000 has been collected, with more expected.

He says it's urgent that sex education programs are rolled out to help prevent the disease spreading, especially in Papua New Guinea.

"We're still seeing an increase in infections in PNG, currently they estimate there are around 600,000 people living with AIDS in Papua New Guinea," Mr Marriott said.