MONTREAL, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Canadian government marked World AIDS Day by announcing plans to increase its contribution to international efforts to fight the disease.
Josee Verner, the international cooperation minister, told reporters at a news conference in Montreal Friday that the government is determined to help stop AIDS, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported. She said the government will contribute $250 million Canadian ($218 million U.S.) to the World AIDS Fund, with $120 million being new money.
The Conservative government originally planned to make the announcement at the annual international AIDS conference, which was held this year in Montreal. But the government decided the event has become too politicized.
"Canada does recognize we have to do even more," Verner said. "We have pledged to take a long-term approach to combating AIDS."
The money is to be used for research and prevention projects in Africa and Haiti.
