Pacific peoples need to overcome taboos to counter the "gathering storm" of AIDS, regional leaders say, ahead of a major conference on the deadly virus.

The leaders say in an open letter that the Pan Pacific Regional HIV/AIDS Conference in New Zealand is an opportunity to reinvigorate collective action to prevent infections.

Also next week, Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Papua New Guinea will discuss a Pacific plan which includes a regional strategy on HIV and AIDS.

There are an estimated 35,000 people in Pacific island nations living with HIV, of whom 5,000 were newly infected in 2004, according to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS.

"We have witnessed the threat of HIV from Africa to Asia to North America and must recognise that this global epidemic has reached the Pacific," the letter says.

"Experience from other AIDS-affected regions has demonstrated that turning our backs on the social and behavioural realities linked to HIV and AIDS only fuels the risk of new infections.

"Men with same sex partners bear intolerance for living according to their sexuality and traditional cultures ... that once celebrated diversity have been devalued by post-colonial influences.

"People living with HIV and their family members face painful stigma and discrimination rather than the support and acceptance needed to encourage the delivery of treatment and care."

More than 450 delegates will attend the four-day conference in Auckland starting next Tuesday which aims at charting a cohesive response to AIDS.

"This is the first time an international HIV and AIDS conference has concentrated on the Pacific region," New Zealand AIDS Foundation executive director Rachael Le Mesurier said.

"It could not have come at a better time. It will be a clarion call to political, community, traditional and church leaders throughout the Pacific to unite in the fight against this most deadly of epidemics which is threatening us all."

AAP 2005 LATEST NEWS Howard confident on anti-terror laws Consider a political career urges Downer Labor urge PM to lead on mental health Suspected plane crash in Nigeria 29-strong shooting team chosen for Games Henry names two wildcards for All Blacks More news HEALTHE NEWSROOM Fruit fetish A little fruit can go a long way in the workplace. Wake-up call Coffee may help prevent some cancers. Meditate on this It reduces stress and can help you live longer. Protein please Protein is the key to low-carb diets. News Headline Whatever your health goals, Healthe can help.

This is cache, read story here