*Ø* Australia to spend $600 million to combat AIDS

[For once the Australian government and Head Prefect Downer seem to have their heads screwed on right. Eight million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the Asia/Pacific region, and the rate of growth is rising.]

"Australia will more than double to $600 million the amount of money it gives to fight the global HIV-AIDS pandemic.

"The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on the eve of the 15th World Aids Conference in Bangkok.

"Until now Australia had earmarked $250 million in foreign aid to combat the virus.

"But the government has set aside a further $350 million of spending.

"The recipients will be countries in Asia and the Pacific region where there are an estimated 7.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS.

"The bulk of Australia's new commitment will go to Papua New Guinea to set up 38 new disease treatment clinics and improve prevention and education campaigns."
Source: ABC (Oz) News

>Annan warns of AIDS crisis in Asia-Pacific