Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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United Press International - Tuesday, 26 June 2001
Rodolfo A. Windhausen
Annan's letter to the leaders of the Group of Eight (G-8), which will meet next month in Genoa, Italy, says HIV/AIDS "affects both rich and poor, but the poor are much more vulnerable to infection and much less equipped to cope with the disease once infected."
The Group of Eight, composed of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and Russia, will meet in that Italian port city to discuss trade and debt-reduction issues.
"I am heartened by the actions that you and other donors have taken to reduce the debt burden on poor countries," Annan wrote. "I also welcome the fact that some of you have increased your official development assistance (ODA) and taken steps to open your markets to products from the 49 least-developed countries."
The secretary-general added that "much more needs to be done," since ODA is at its lowest level ever in terms of the proportion of gross national product (GNP).
The Global AIDS and Health Fund has so far received contributions from Annan himself -- $100,000, proceeds from the Philadelphia Liberty Medal he is scheduled to receive on July 4 - and from the United States, France and Britain, as well as from the International Olympic Committee and two private donors.
In May, the European Commission announced that it would not contribute to the fund if it is aimed exclusively at combating AIDS. However, Annan has pointed out that the contributions to it will also be used to combat malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases.
Annan also urged the G-8 to take up the issue of contributions in next year's U.N.-sponsored summit in Johannesburg, which will address environmental and development topics.
"I personally look on you as responsible partners," Annan said in his letter. "As you meet in Genoa, the eyes of the world will be upon you."
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