Bush calls for tougher AIDS fight

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Tuesday called for reform of the Ryan White Act to expand the fight against AIDS.

In his State of the Union address, Bush said HIV can be prevented and AIDS can be treated and defeated.

"More than a million Americans live with HIV, and half of all AIDS cases occur among African-Americans. I ask Congress to reform and reauthorize the Ryan White Act ... and provide new funding to states, so we end the waiting lists for AIDS medicine in America.

"We will also lead a nationwide effort, working closely with African-American churches and faith-based groups, to deliver rapid HIV tests to millions, end the stigma of AIDS and come closer to the day when there are no new infections in America."