SINGAPORE, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The World Vision Singapore "One Life Fund" was launched here on Monday, the World AIDS Day, aiming to pay for the education of every child affected and infected by HIV-AIDS.

    The fund, which has received a 50,000 Singapore dollars (33,000U.S. dollars) boost from MAC Cosmetics firm, will help to meet the education needs of HIV-AIDS affected young Singaporeans aged between two and 25.

    The fund hopes to raise 300,000 Singapore dollars and provide 300 bursaries within the next three years.

    "AIDS patients do not get subsidies for their medication in Singapore. The cost of medication can come up to about 1,000 Singapore dollars every month. The criteria for the 'One Life Fund' are couched in very general and generous terms. Our hope and dream is that every child who is affected or infected by AIDS will be able to avail himself or herself of this bursary," said James Quek, executive director of World Vision Singapore, a Christian organization.

    Last year 423 new HIV cases surfaced in Singapore, and as of September this year, 3,482 Singaporeans were reported to be HIV-positive.