World Food Programme Director Calls for Increased Funds To Fight AIDS, Famine in Africa
African nations need a "massive infusion of funds" to save 38 million people from starvation, World Food Programme Director James Morris told a public meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, adding that food aid was "crucial" in the fight against AIDS, Agence France-Presse reports. "In modern time, we have never before seen a disease with the capacity to cause large-scale social breakdown," Morris said, adding that more than seven million agricultural workers in Africa since 1985 have died of AIDS-related causes, furthering the food crisis. Morris said that more parents would send their children to school if a meal was available. "The school experience is fundamental to getting at the HIV/AIDS issue, because education will be the only opportunity they have to think about alternative lifestyles," he said (Agence France-Presse, 12/4). Morris on Tuesday also met with fifteen humanitarian groups from the United States, including the American Red Cross, Save the Children and Catholic Relief Services, to urge governments, citizens' groups and private citizens to join the fight against famine and AIDS in Africa. "The magnitude of the disaster unfolding in Africa has not yet been fully grasped by the international community," Morris said, adding, "An exceptional effort is urgently needed if a major catastrophe is to be averted. Business as usual will not do" (Potter, Associated Press, 12/3).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.