A singer has united with a global aid agency to fight HIV/AIDS

AID AGENCY World Vision and American singer/songwriter Margaret Becker have announced the launch of the Orange Fund, set up to bring much needed resources to HIV/AIDS sufferers in Africa. The first donation to the Orange Fund was given by Sparrow Records donating proceeds from the multi-artist album 'In The Name Of Love: Artists United For Africa'.

The idea for the Orange Fund came from Becker. The singer said, "Two years ago I approached World Vision about creating a flexible fund that could address the HIV/AIDS issue. The Orange Fund is the culmination of that initial idea. In this time, when everyone is pulling back, cutting budgets, doing the safe thing, I believe we are to demonstrate the character of Christ by doing the unexpected - giving the extra bit that costs us something, everything. This is not the time to shrink back, but rather to give our 'widow's mite.' The Orange Fund is a way to do that. It goes above and beyond the traditional model of giving in this area." Swaziland will be the first benefactor of resources from Orange Fund. With 38.6 per cent of Swaziland's population infected, the country currently has the highest percentage of population infected by HIV/AIDS.