Three U.S. Organizations Unite To Fight HIV/AIDS In India

Three U.S.-based organizations have
formed a coalition to raise urgently needed funds for programs in India to
address the needs of women and families impacted by the surging HIV/AIDS
epidemic.


"A Night for India" was organized jointly by AIDS Project Los Angeles
(APLA), the American India Foundation (AIF) and the U.S.-India Business
Council (USIBC) to combine their fundraising resources with their
experience in India to fund important programs designed to slow the spread
of HIV/AIDS and support HIV-positive people and their families. "A Night
for India" includes a black-tie dinner at Avery Fisher Hall tonight and a
post-concert Champagne reception. The centerpiece of the evening is a
concert of the New York Philharmonic conducted by Zubin Mehta, also an
honorary co-chair of the benefit.



India's emerging status on the world stage and its 8% economic growth
have been well documented, but this story could be derailed by an epidemic
that increasingly threatens the country's most vulnerable populations.
India has the highest number of HIV infections in the world, with 5.7
million people living with HIV/AIDS, according to estimates by the UNAIDS.



By joining forces, these organizations combine international experience
in advancing social and public health programs with the management
capabilities and resources of the global business community. Proceeds from
the gala will benefit innovative, effective programs throughout India.



"India stands at a critical point in this epidemic, with HIV/AIDS
poised to expand, but large-scale prevention and other interventions today
could help contain a more serious epidemic in the future," said Rema Nanda,
Director Public Health of AIF, a non-profit foundation formed to accelerate
social and economic change in India.




Currently, less than 10% of those needing the antiretroviral medication
to fight HIV/AIDS are receiving treatment through the Indian government,
according to the country's National AIDS Control Organization. Scaling up
successful programs like those created by AIF and APLA and combining them
with additional dedication from socially-conscious business leaders will
improve India's capacity to care for people with HIV/AIDS.




"Testing, treatment and care urgently need to be expanded and improved,
while infrastructure and human resources must be deployed in areas that
present significant challenges," said Craig E. Thompson, executive director
of APLA, one of the largest AIDS service organizations in the United
States.



The management capabilities and resources of the business community
make it a powerful ally in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Business leaders are
learning they must increase their roles in public-private partnerships to
fight HIV/AIDS, because beyond the tragic human toll, the disease also
impacts India's burgeoning economy. The epidemic is predicted to reduce
India's average annual growth rate by 1% during the next 14 years,
according to the country's National Council of Applied Economic Research.
















"AIDS is a critical challenge that could jeopardize India's progress,"
said Ron Somers, President of USIBC, the premier advocacy organization
representing the largest U.S. companies trading and investing in India.
"Our member-companies recognize that taking a proactive role in socially
responsible programs will benefit their employees, customers and
communities."



Maestro Mehta, whose father was the founding conductor of the Bombay
Symphony Orchestra, was honored last year by the Kennedy Center. This
evening's performance reunites him with the orchestra he conducted for 13
years until 1991.



About AIDS Project Los Angeles:



AIDS Project Los Angeles, one of the oldest and largest non-profit AIDS
service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct
services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy
and legislation. APLA develops and supports international technical
assistance and capacity building initiatives including projects in India
and Latin America. For more information, visit apla.



About American India Foundation:



The American India Foundation is a non-profit foundation charged with
the mission of accelerating social and economic change in India. AIF
mobilizes people and resources across the United States for its three areas
of development work in India: Education, Livelihood, and Public Health. AIF
was formed in 2001 under the leadership of President Bill Clinton, who
continues to serves as Honorary Chair. For more information, visit
aifoundation.



About United States-India Business Council:



The United States-India Business Council is the premier advocacy
organization representing the largest U.S. companies investing in India,
promoting economic reforms with an aim to deepen trade relations and
broaden commercial ties with India. For more information, visit
usibc.


American India Foundation

aifoundation