Levi Strauss Foundation Boosts AIDS Spending in Korea

The Levi Strauss Foundation, as part of its ongoing work to fight AIDS, will expand its commitment to South Korea, its executive director said recently.

"We have a plan to increase our annual budget for financial programs to South Koreans suffering from AIDS," Daniel Lee said on Aug. 30. "It's crucial to boost awareness about the AIDS epidemic in some Asian countries, and what private foundations and companies can do to help make a difference in handling the disease."

AIDS fatalities in South Korea have decreased since 2005. Health authorities note, however, that new HIV diagnoses have remained steady, at about 700 a year, since 2006. The nation has logged 7,656 HIV infections and 1,364 AIDS-related deaths since 1985.

Lee was in Busan, South Korea's biggest port, to take part in the 10th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific, Aug. 26-30. "Hopefully, the event could serve as a bridge to further boost public policy advocacy, basic human rights and spreading the word about the importance of activism on this issue," Lee said.

Lee also said the foundation will work to put more focus on eco-friendly activities and continue to support the health of its workers.

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