Red Cross appeal focuses on HIV/AIDS

During the recent launch of its 2004 appeal, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reserved the largest-ever portion of its proposed funding for tackling illnesses such as HIV/AIDS in developing countries. In its statement the aid organisation said more than 40 percent of the US $173 million appeal would go towards fighting tuberculosis and malaria, with the primary focus being on HIV/AIDS in Africa. Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, the Federation's director of health, said: "Diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria have infected more people than ever, despite the increasing efforts of aid agencies." Bermejo said the impact of epidemics such as HIV/AIDS also meant there was less need to distinguish between health issues and natural disasters.