Roger Moore to help Israeli group fight AIDS in Africa

Jerusalem, Feb 24 (ANI): Former James Bond star Roger Moore will donate his fee from an appearance at the fourth International Eilat Chamber Music Festival to help fight AIDS in Africa.

The earnings will go to the Jerusalem AIDS Project (JAIP), an Israeli program that encourages male circumcision as a way of reducing AIDS and HIV.

The 81-year-old is narrating Saint Saens' orchestral character piece Carnival of the Animals at the festival, now under way at the Herod's Forum hotel.

Some 80 musicians from around the world are taking part, performing 14 concerts in six days. Master classes are also being held.

Moore has been a UNICEF 'goodwill ambassador' since 1991, promoting women's and children's health.

He was inspired to work for UNICEF by the late actress Audrey Hepburn, herself a 'goodwill ambassador,' after being deeply moved by India's poverty while filming a movie there.

Moore said he had a growing interest in the importance of health and disease prevention, and said his visit was meant to promote HIV awareness and education.

"Prevention is the best cure of disease," The Jerusalem Post quoted him, as saying. (ANI)