French telethon raises funds for HIV/AIDS research
A total of EUR 5.5 million was raised for HIV/AIDs during France's annual 'Sidaction' telethon, which took place from 23 to 25 March. Half of the money collected will go to financing charitable work, while the other half will fund research projects in France and overseas. The donations are collected by Sidaction, an association made up of charities, researchers and doctors, which has been in operation since 1994. In 2005, the association financed over 170 basic, clinical and social sciences projects and scholarships. In France, specific support went to helping young researchers working in the field, while in the developing world, grants focused on research into mother-to-child transmission of HIV; nutrition; HIV-related opportunistic infections; and prevention. The total amount raised during the TV marathon of over 60 hours is slightly below that of 2006, but is expected to grow since donations can still be made until 19 April.
Countries
France