On Tuesday, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said it needs $21 million for a three-year AIDS treatment program in West and Central African countries. IFRC's HIV program officer for the region said Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, and Nigeria are struggling to cope with the disastrous consequences of HIV/AIDS. "Even though the impact may vary from one country to another, HIV is a major obstacle to development as it affects all key sectors: the economy, health, education, and even food security," said Abdourahmane Ndiaye. The program, slated to run from 2008 to 2010, will reach 950,000 vulnerable people including 10,000 orphans, 49,000 people living with HIV, and 13,000 sex workers, IFRC said.

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