Princess Diana Fund Aids Africans

LONDON (AP) - Princess Diana's memorial fund launched a $7.2 million initiative Tuesday to help Africans suffering from terminal illnesses.

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund said the money will be used to ease the suffering of those in the final stages of HIV, AIDS and cancer.

``For millions of people in this region, the approach of death is characterized by appalling pain, deprivation and neglect,'' said fund chairman Christopher Spence.

The initiative marks the fourth anniversary of the fund, which was set up in the days after Diana's 1997 death in a Paris car crash.

The newest project reflects the compassion the late princess showed for the dying during her visits to hospitals, Spence said.

Grants will be distributed over five years for projects as well as training and education programs for policy makers, medical staff and caregivers.

``The fund's Palliative Care Initiative is essentially a challenge to health policy makers, donors, practitioners and others who care about the issue - to recognize that people who are dying are human and that the close of life should bring dignity and not diminish their humanity,'' Spence said.

The fund has pledged more than $64.9 million to charities this year. It receives donations and profits from the sale of approved mementos.