AFRO-NETS> HIV/AIDS: World Bank Appoints New Global Adviser

[Dieter Neuvians MD <neuvians@mweb.co.zw>]

HIV/AIDS: World Bank Appoints New Global Adviser
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Source: http://www.unfoundation.org/unwire/


As the World Bank prepares for World AIDS Day Saturday, officials 
yesterday announced the appointment of the bank's first global 
HIV/AIDS adviser, charged with galvanizing bank efforts in the fight 
against the spread of the disease, particularly in developing coun-
tries. 

Medical scientist Debrework Zewdie of Ethiopia has been appointed as 
the bank's HIV/AIDS adviser "to make a difference in developing coun-
tries which are struggling with the social and economic ravages of 
HIV/AIDS, and to raise global awareness and resources to combat and 
prevent the disease," said bank Vice President for Human Development 
Jozef Ritzen.

The bank said it is also considering disbursing an additional US$ 500 
million in no-interest loans to African countries with strong na-
tional HIV/AIDS strategies, as part of the second stage of the bank's 
multi-country HIV/AIDS program. An estimated 25 million of 36 million 
HIV-positive people worldwide are located in Africa. The bank and the 
Joint U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimate that approximately 
US$ 3 billion is needed every year to fund basic prevention, care and 
treatment programs across the continent.

"Men and AIDS" has been the theme for World AIDS Day for the past two 
years, but this year's day will focus on new issues, including 
UNAIDS' campaign slogan, "I care. Do you?" The campaign focuses on 
the role of men -- particularly young men -- in responding to the 
disease, stressing the need for them to care for themselves, their 
partners and their children (World Bank release, Nov. 27).

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