U.N. issues appeal for aid for HIV/AIDS, food in Africa

The United Nations and several humanitarian organizations on Tuesday issued an urgent plea to the international community to fund relief efforts for HIV/AIDS and famine, together dubbed a "dual human tragedy," in sub-Saharan Africa. The agencies seek $611 million in aid for Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. "Without a massive infusion of money and a greatly expanded effort by the affected countries in collaboration with the international community, the future prospects for the 60 million people living in southern Africa hold little hope," a statement released by the groups said. Among the groups to sign the statement were the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the World Health Organization, the Red Cross, the World Bank, and several U.N. agencies.