October 1, 2007 19:21

Nelson Mandela to host AIDS benefit concert

Star-studded event will be held on World Aids Day

Photo Gallery: U2
Photo: Pa Photos

Nelson Mandela has announced that he will host an international concert to raise AIDS awareness among young people on December 1 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Previous concerts have attracted such notable artists as U2, Beyonce, Bob Geldof and Annie Lennox.

"I am very delighted that we are engaging the youth in schools, communities and through the media breaking the silence and stigmas around HIV and AIDS and making them realize that the power to beat the pandemic lies in their own hands," said Mandela at a press conference in Johannesburg today (October 1).

This will be the fifth in the series of concerts that has raised approximately $3 million for AIDS awareness to date. They have chosen to hold the concert on December 1 to mark World Aids Day.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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