Donor countries in harmony on use of funds for anti-AIDS campaign - UN agency

Donor countries have agreed to a more streamlined system of coordinating their efforts to fight the global AIDS epidemic, ensuring that recipient countries can use the funds for more efficient and effective programmes, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

The "Three Ones" principle was adopted yesterday in Washington, D.C., by a meeting of donor countries in a bid to help improve their ability to work more effectively together with developing countries on a country-by-country basis.

The principles include one agreed HIV/AIDS action framework that provides the basis for coordinating the work of all partners; one national AIDS coordinating authority, with a broad based multi-sector mandate; and one agreed country level monitoring and evaluation system, UNAIDS said in a news release.

"Today, we left our flags and affiliations at the door," UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot said. "It is not just about raising more resources, it's about making sure these resources are spent wisely to help countries mount sustainable and effective AIDS strategies. This is why the Three Ones are so crucial."

Despite stepped up resources and the best intentions, the AIDS epidemic continues to be one of the greatest crises of the century, with 40 million people currently infected, and over 25 million deaths to date, according to UNAIDS.

In other news, Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan today was jointly named a Goodwill Ambassador of both UNAIDS and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). He is currently in Cambodia to visit projects dealing with HIV/AIDS and landmines.

UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said Mr. Chan's worldwide fame and popularity will help the agency in its work for children. "UNICEF is delighted that [he] has signed up to be a Goodwill Ambassador," she said.