Two prominent Catholic theologians have strongly criticised attitudes influencing the church hierarchy over its stance on measures to prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS.

The Church of England has called for greater investment in public health programmes aimed at teenagers, in a submission to UK advertising regulating bodies.

Following protests from across the world at Pope Benedict's pronouncement that condom-use could aggravate the problem of HIV/AIDS, the British government has been challenged on its position.

The Vatican has amended comments made about condoms by the Pope, but the change in tone is unlikely to stem critics who say his anti-contraception stance is damaging the fight against HIV-AIDS.

The Malawi Council of Churches is reviewing its opposition to the use of condoms in the country's anti-AIDS fight, and has said it may support the use of condoms by married couples where one or both partners are HIV positive.

A new multinational poll has shown that many Catholics around the world believe that using condoms is 'prolife' because it prevents the spread of HIV and AIDS. The findings come ahead of World AIDS Day tomorrow (Saturday).

Click here to visit Oxfam's charity gifts web site

A leading charity is to launch a television advertising campaign this week featuring major celebrities who urge Christmas shoppers to send gifts such as condoms and toilets to the developing world.

Anti-AIDS activists, including those working with church-backed groups, have expressed amazement at outrage about claims made by the head of the Catholic Church in Mozambique that some European-made condoms are infected with HIV deliberately.