Kuwait donates $1 million to global fund against AIDS

The Government of Kuwait has pledged $1 million to the Global AIDS and Health Fund, the new mechanism proposed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to finance the fight against AIDS and other infectious diseases, a United Nations spokesman said today.

Speaking to reporters in New York, the spokesman said the total of pledges now stood at $1.395 billion.

The Fund - which reflects a global partnership involving not just governments but also private companies, charitable organizations and individuals - has received pledges from the International Olympic Committee, Winterthur Insurance (Crédit Suisse), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Byers Choice, Ltd. Various private individuals from around the world have so far provided contributions totalling $113,625.

Mr. Annan, who first proposed the Fund's establishment at an African summit meeting in April, donated the $100,000 grant he received when he was awarded the Philadelphia Liberty Medal on 4 July.

Individuals wishing to make contributions may do so by visiting the website of the United Nations Foundation, which was originally set up to execute philanthropist Ted Turner's historic $1 billion gift in support of UN causes. Donations can also be made by phone to 001-866-AIDS-FUND, or by cheque (made payable to "UNF - Global Fund" and mailed to the United Nations Foundation, Attn: Global Fund, P.O. Box 21001-1899, Pasadena, CA, USA, 91110-1899).