Peter Fabian has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of ACET (AIDS Care Education and Training).

Mr Fabian, who has been connected with the charity's work since it was founded 20 years ago, brings a wealth of charity experience as well as a long standing commitment to ACET's Christian response to those infected and affected by HIV and Aids.

Starting as one of the first ACET home care volunteers in London in 1988, Mr Fabian has been involved with the charity for many years in a voluntary as well as paid capacity and now leads an organisation supporting work in 23 countries and reaching out to over one million people.

Dr Patrick Dixon, the founder of ACET, welcomed Peter's appointment.

"ACET has been growing rapidly in recent years and Peter's appointment will allow us to better serve the 23-strong ACET International Alliance and reach out to more of the 30 million people infected with HIV throughout the world."

ACET provides care for those affected by Aids and HIV prevention education, particularly lifestyle and sex education to young people, and the training and mobilisation of churches and their leaders.

Mr Fabian has travelled extensively to visit ACET projects throughout the world and believes that the organisation has a unique opportunity to mobilise churches to tackle stigma, ignorance and indifference to the pandemic.

He said, "Jesus calls us to challenge stigma and prejudice and care for the sick and the dying. As well as energising and equipping churches to offer practical support and encouragement in their local area, I believe ACET is a voice for all those with HIV/Aids. speaking to church leaders, congregations and governments."

At the recent ACET International conference in Entebbe, Uganda, Dr Dixon issued a resounding challenge to the 180 delegates from over 40 countries. He told them that, whilst there was as yet no cure for Aids, it was preventable and churches should be at the forefront of the global response.

Dr Dixon said at the time, "ACET has a huge task ahead of it. So far, all the world's efforts have only managed to slow the rate of new HIV infections. Still more people are dying every year. My prayer is that churches throughout the world will partner with us to reverse that trend."