Airline HIV tax
set to begin in September

Officials say the launch of a new airline tax by more than a dozen nations to raise money to fight HIV in developing nations will begin in most of the countries in September to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly meeting that month, Agence France-Presse reports. The tax will range from one to 40 euros depending on the class of seat and distance traveled. France will be the first country to levy the new tax, beginning July 1. Other countries that will levy the tax on airline tickets in September include Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Congo, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mauritius, Nicaragua, and Norway. Health officials hope to raise about $300 million a year through the new tax. The U.S. government and the airline industry oppose the tax. (The Advocate)