Madonna arrived in Malawi by private jet to inspect an orphan-support initiative she bankrolled with $5 million, and officials say she is also searching for a young boy to adopt. Malawian authorities indicated the government may waive the standard two-year fostering requirement in her case, citing potential benefits to both the child and the country.
Malawi carries a severe HIV/AIDS burden, with the disease affecting more than 14 percent of its 12 million residents, driving life expectancy down to 36 and leaving nearly 1.5 million children without parents. Madonna, mother of two children by different partners, has spoken publicly about feeling a responsibility toward vulnerable children worldwide, and points to her Kabbalah faith as a guiding influence behind her humanitarian efforts.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in October 2006, in its own words.