Rich nations have 'moral obligation' not to abandon HIV/Aids funding

Michel Sidibe, the executive director of UNAIDS, has urged the world's richest nations not to let the current economic climate distract them from the need to combat the ongoing spread of HIV/Aids across Africa.

While the G8 nations agreed just four years ago to step up their efforts to stem the rise of the condition within the world's poorest countries, Mr Sidibe, who is the UN's top official in the policy area, has expressed his fear that some governments may look to reduce their financial assistance, with money being diverted to boost their domestic economies.

Speaking at a meeting of the African Union in the city of Sirte, Liberia, he revealed that the Global Fund, through which money is pooled to fight infectious disease, is already $4 billion short of the amount it needs to fund Aids projects it has already committed itself to.

"If we don't make sure the macro-economic adjustment which will be made is made with a human face, we will find ourselves with those millions of orphans without any care, without any education, without any support, and where will they be?" he told delegates and reporters, according to Reuters.

These comments come soon after the new South African president Jacob Zuma pledged that he will prioritise the fight against HIV/Aids in his country and across Africa in general.

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