Calls for US congress to re-authorise AIDS relief plan

The US congress should extend President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to ensure the fight against the disease in countries hit worst by the disease, according to a leading humanitarian agency.

With the current plan set to expire next September, President Bush is asking congress to re-authorise the programme and double it's funding for the next five years.

Extending the plan will allow the continued funding of projects that are vital to the global fight against HIV/AIDS, with particular emphasis on directing resources to children affected by the disease, claimed World Vision.

"Congress must act on this legislation quickly to ensure continuation of the live-saving global AIDS programs it funds," said Princess Zulu, an advocate for the agency.

"We also support the continued requirement that at least 10 percent of all resources in this Act are directed to the care of orphans and vulnerable children," she added.

Since its authorisation in 2003, PEFPAR has provided more than $15 billion (£7.3 billion) towards HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.

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