As World AIDS day approaches (1st December), Christmas shoppers are being urged to give virtual gifts that benefit sufferers of HIV and AIDS around the world - from HIV education through to giving condoms.

In Burkina Faso, volunteer midwives receive crucial training that helps them to keep new mums and babies alive and well. This includes education in hygiene, pre and post natal care, HIV awareness and how to prevent transmission of the virus from mother to child. Visit Christian Aid's Present Aid site here

African religious leaders have heard that gender-based violence is increasingly becoming a weapon of war in the continent's trouble spots, with some saying sacred scriptures are being used to justify violence in general.

World Council of Churches' general secretary the Rev Dr Samuel Kobia has asked men to join the efforts of women across the world in dealing with the AIDS pandemic. He has also challenged the churches.