Annan Greets Madrid, Roma Players Before AIDS Match
Addressing the players of the Spanish and Italian sides, Annan said he would be there for the match Thursday at Giants Stadium and thanked the teams for their "solidarity with those suffering from HIV/AIDS."
Addressing the players of the Spanish and Italian sides, Annan said he would be there for the match Thursday at Giants Stadium and thanked the teams for their "solidarity with those suffering from HIV/AIDS."
"For the sick to know that you, in the prime of your youth, that you healthy ones are there rooting for them is an incredible encouragement," Annan said Wednesday as he toured the U.N. headquarters with the players.
Annan -- a keen soccer fan -- is expected to join New Jersey governor James McGreevey in opening remarks at the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Experts estimate that rich countries must donate at least $10 billion a year to tackle the AIDS pandemic, which is decimating regions in Africa and elsewhere.
Total global spending this year is estimated at $2.8 billion.