US President George W Bush has announced a $15bn programme to tackle HIV and AIDS in Africa and the Caribbean.
Mr Bush said the United States had a moral duty to act and called on Europe, Canada and Japan to follow Washington's example at the G8 summit this weekend.
Subject to approval by Congress, the money will be spent over the next five years on anti-viral drugs and curbing the spread of the disease.
Mr Bush said fighting against AIDS was one of the world's most pressing concerns.
