'Geldof and Bono's Charity is Crippling Africa' claims African AID Action
Celebrity campaigners and western charities 'increase corruption and dependency'

- Aid increases corruption and dependency
- Politically western media avoid real issues
- Only 25% of 5.4m AIDS victims have access to life saving drugs
- Call new type of investment, in not-for-profit, transparent manufacturing facility
- A major rethink required ahead of International World AIDS Day on 1st December

Despite billions of pounds given for debt relief and aid in Africa, since the original Band Aid campaign, the number of Africans living on handouts has increased by 500%. African governments who used to rely on only 20% of their annual budget from overseas aid are now dependent on a 70% contribution.

The culture of corruption and dependency on aid is thriving. Brutal dictators remain in power, and only 25% of the 5.4 million people with full-blown AIDS in Africa have access to the life -saving anti retro viral drugs.

Despite noble global intentions, the campaign led by Bob Geldof and Bono to save Africa by increasing aid and debt relief, is have a reverse effect and crippling those aims to help, according to the founder of African Aid Action AAA [a3]?, Jobs Selasie.

Selasi believes that the western media is hamstrung by its own pre occupation with political correctness, which is preventing it from pointing an accusing finger at the true causes of poverty in the continent, the harm done by many charities (who resort to "blackmail") and impoverished Africans who would rather beg than work.

"Aid has failed because campaigners, charities and governments do not have the right plan and excluded African entrepreneurs and grassroots organisations from being part of the solution," said Selasi. "You can't impose change from without, it has to come from within and we won't end poverty with handouts - Africans need to fight corruption and work hard.

Ahead of International World AIDS Day on 1st December, Selasi is calling for a radical think to stop the killing fields of AIDS, achieve solid and sustainable results. a3 is pioneering a radical new initiative with a unique scheme where donors become 'investors in change' .

By considering donors as 'investors who are 'investing for change'. By selling 1.3 million shares for £100 each a3 is to fund a professionally run non-profit pharmaceutical manufacturing and distributing facility in Africa, based in similar models operating in Thailand and Brazil. The plant will produce AIDS and other life saving drugs under licence in volume to make them affordable, available and universally accessible to all dying Africans.

Attracting result and accountability conscious investors, including Cabinet members, other MPs, Lords and celebrities, shareholders do not receive cash dividend They are entitled to vote at the AGM and have a say how the pharmaceutical company shall run and distribute its product.

Share may be bought online at http://www.africanaidsaction.org/buy-share.html .

About a³

African AIDS Action [a³] is a grass-roots organisation with a clear, transparent, practical and focused vision dedicated to making life-saving medicines affordable, accessible and available to save millions of Africans from dying of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses. It is about empowering Africans by transferring technology and creating employment. The model is based on projects in Brazil and Thailand, two developing countries who have been successful in tackling AIDS. Using volunteer scientists and engineers headquartered in an area of Africa with the world's lowest crime rate and no corruption, medicines will be manufactured and transported to various warehouses built in other African countries. 99% of receipts are invested in life-saving projects a3 is about empowering Africans by transferring technology and creating employment. Only 1% of receipts are spent on management costs. We will have external independent auditors and accountants and provide investors with monthly updates on our progress.

About the Founder

The survivor of the Ethiopian famine of 1984/85 but now a British citizen, Jobs Selasi, the founder of a3 , has first hand experience of the tragedy, having lost his niece, sister-in-law and 47 other relatives to AIDS. His brother and sister 54 other family members are HIV positive. A tireless campaigner for the millions of African AIDS sufferers who face a death sentence because they are being denied life saving drugs, Jobs, a teetotal vegan, is a devoted athlete is with an individuality that makes him a popular personality with the media. His charisma and passion for Africa is dynamic and he welcomes the opportunity to reveal the truth about the global AIDS epidemic. His story of how he has coped seeing suffering and loss of many family members is a compelling one. His views on celebrity campaigners, multi-national charity aid and the often-negative impact these are having on his beloved continent. are inspirational and educational.

Contacts:

For further information, photos or to arrange an interview please contact

George Shaw at Avocado Media on 01892 750851 or 07860 695555
Jobs Selasie on 01708 521047 or 07946389593 E esellassie2000@yahoo.co.uk

Web: www.africanaidsaction.org

African Aid Action
PO Box 303
Rainham
Essex RM13 8UW

African AIDS Action is a registered charity in England & Wales, Reg Charity No. 1087378