An annual benefit gala that raises money to combat HIV/AIDS has gathered 730,000 euros, an Aids Fund spokesperson says.

The money raised at the AmsterdamDiner will be donated to the Medical Credit Fund, which helps improve African healthcare in a sustainable way.

It does so by providing loans that have to be paid back rather than by making donations.

This approach, the AIDS Fund says, is a new, more effective way to combat HIV/AIDS and other related diseases.

The event in Amsterdam’s Heineken Music Hall was attended by more than 1,100 guests, including Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal, Deputy Foreign Minister Ben Knapen and Labour leader Job Cohen.

(cl/imm)

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