Global AIDS commitment of US businesses urged

The US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, has applauded the efforts of a public-private initiative to advance HIV/AIDS care in Tanzania. During his visit this week to the capital, Dar es Salaam, Thompson saw first-hand improvements in health care management and infrastructure, brought about by a partnership between the Government of Tanzania and the Abbott Fund, a philanthropic organisation set up by Abbott laboratories. However, Thompson said although the joint programme was bearing fruit, greater commitment was needed by US business to tackle the global impact of HIV and AIDS. "Under President Bush's leadership, the US is investing unprecedented time, energy and resources to the fight against AIDS. But this crisis is far too great for any one government to solve, and we need the help of the American business community," Thompson said in a statement.