Press Release

OPEC Fund replenishes Special Grant Account for HIV/AIDS operations

66/2005 June 15, 2005, Seefeld, Tyrol, Austria
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The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced the replenishment of its Special Grant Account for HIV/AIDS Operations. The US$15 million in new money was approved by the Fund’s highest policy-making body, the Ministerial Council, at its 26th Annual Session today (see separate press release 63/2005).

The special account was established in June 2001 with initial resources of US$15 million and has subsequently been replenished twice. Today’s fresh allocation boosts the account to US$50 million. The resources represent the Fund’s core contribution to the global battle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Within its HIV/AIDS Program, the Fund is currently implementing projects and programs in all developing regions of the world, providing assistance to countries and communities in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East. The Fund’s primary areas of intervention cover prevention and reduction of vulnerability, together with care and support to people living with the virus.

The Fund’s initiatives are being carried out in close cooperation with leading international agencies such as UNAIDS, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Population Fund, the International Labor Office, UNESCO, UNICEF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. A total of 64 countries are currently benefiting from these joint efforts.