20. Februar 2006 in English
Bill Gates support DREAM, who has proven to be one of the most effective programs for preventing and treating HIV/AIDS.
Rome (www.kath.net/ Zenit)
The Community of Sant'Egidio announced that it received a personal donation from Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, for its program for AIDS prevention in Africa.
A communiqué issued in Rome by this lay public association of the Catholic Church said the donation is for $200.000 a year for three years.
The funds will be used to finance the Drug Resource Enhancement against AIDS and Malnutrition program, launched in 2002. DREAM provides services in Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya, and which is being extended to other African countries.
I first heard about the Community of Sant'Egidio's humanitarian work during my business travels, said Gates. After learning more about the community's DREAM project, I wanted to make a personal donation to further support and encourage this important work.
DREAM has reached out to some 20.000 HIV-positive people, offering them help and nutritional support free of charge.
DREAM has proven to be one of the most effective programs for preventing and treating HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ninety-seven percent of the babies born to HIV-positive mothers in the program are born healthy. And more than 90% of the adults live well and are able to start working again, after beginning DREAM's antiretroviral therapy.
Foto: © Archiv
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