Bill Gates

Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, has warned against reducing funds to combat AIDS, rather he urged the international community to mobilise more resources for HIV prevention, treatment and research.

Gates warned on Wednesday in Durban at a five day conference, which brought together 18,000 experts from 180 countries to discuss efforts to treat and prevent the virus.

He warned the conference that new infections could reach record levels among young Africans.

“It won’t be enough just to keep doing what we are already doing.

“In spite of a few governments who have to be applauded for their generosity,” it was getting difficult to keep financial contributions to support the fight against HIV running at their current level,’’ he said.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the disease believed to be caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), kills roughly 1.1 million people annually.

The majority of deaths occur in Africa. (dpa/NAN)