Canada Pledges
Additional $45 Million to Fight AIDS

Canadian health minister Tony Clement announced at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City that his country will spend $45 million to fight the spread of HIV in Africa. These funds will be on top of the $515 million Canada has pledged to fight HIV globally over the past three years.

"For people living with HIV/AIDS," Clement said in a statement, "these funds will go toward programs that help them to live longer and better lives. For those at risk of infection, this investment will help to provide the education and prevention tools needed to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS."

The bulk of the spending will focus on sub-Saharan Africa. The $515 million Canada has pledged in recent years supports clinical training, nongovernmental organizations, and research, with commitments extending into the next decade. The bulk of the additional $45 million is being earmarked for projects in Mozambique and South Africa. (The Advocate)