Bush seeks doubling of AIDS-fighting funds

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush on Wednesday urged lawmakers to set aside 30 billion dollars over five years to fight AIDS worldwide -- a doubling of current funds to battle the global scourge.

He also said that First Lady Laura Bush would visit Africa in June to assess HIV/AIDS-fighting strategies in Zambia, Mali, Senegal and Mozambique, and report back on what works and what doesn't in battling the deadly disease.

"She's going to meet with community leaders and visit with participants in HIV/AIDS programs during her trip to Zambia, Senegal, Mali, and Mozambique. And she's going to come back with her findings," the president said.

Bush urged the US Congress to renew and double his President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which...