President Obama Participates In World AIDS Day Discussion At George Washington University
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President Barack Obama is announcing a deeper U.S. commitment to combatting the pandemic of AIDS, declaring: "We can beat this disease."

In an event marking World AIDS Day, Obama said he was setting a goal of getting antiretroviral drugs to 2 million more people around the world by the end of 2013. The president was also directing $50 million in new spending on treatment in the U.S. and challenging state governments, drug companies and private foundations to do more.

Obama also took a shot at countries he said have not made a pledge to the Global Fund or have not kept their promises. He singled out China and other major economics that he says must step up as donors.

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton were both taking part in the event via satellite.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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