NEW DELHI, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Microsoft chief Bill Gates Monday pledged $100 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to fight AIDS in India.
"There is no doubt that India faces a serious (AIDS) challenge," Gates said on the first day of his four-day visit to India.
"We do not really know the number of HIV/AIDS victims in India but the sooner we bring attention to the problem and greater visibility, the better we can face it," he said.
Gates said that much needs to be done in India to contain the spread of AIDS adding, "India is poised to be a global leader in the development of new HIV prevention technologies."
According to current estimates, India is home to nearly 4 million people with HIV, the second highest total in the world after South Africa.
Gates is to meet Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. He will also address Indian business leaders in Bombay.
