Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, May 28, 2003
US President Signs 15-billion-dollar Bill for Fighting AIDS
US President George W. Bush on Tuesday signed a 15-billion-dollar bill for the global fight against AIDS, saying it is a "moral duty" for the country to extend a helping hand.
US President George W. Bush on Tuesday signed a 15-billion-dollar bill for the global fight against AIDS, saying it is a "moral duty" for the country to extend a helping hand.
The bill will provide 15 billion US dollars over the next five years to fight AIDS in African and the Caribbean countries.
At a ceremony at the US State Department, Bush said "HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest medical challenges of our time" and that the United States is "stepping forward to help."
Bush praised the US Congress for approving the bill, saying "This act of Congress addresses one of the most urgent needs of the modern world."
He also praised African governments that are acting responsibly and aggressively to fight AIDS.
Bush said he will urge other wealthy nations to do the same thing at the forthcoming G8 summit in Europe. "I will challenge our partners and our friends to follow our lead and to make a similar commitment" in order to save more lives, he said.