World's mayors urged to act on AIDS

The president of the US Conference of Mayors, James Garner, has called for a combined effort by mayors across the globe to tackle HIV/AIDS in Africa. Garner was part of a delegation of 10 US mayors who recently visited four African countries to highlight HIV/AIDS and its impact on economic and youth development. As mayor of the Long Island village of Hempstead, New York, Garner said he hoped to convene a task force of mayors who could establish ties with their counterparts in African cities to help fight HIV/AIDS, possibly under the auspices of the UN. The Associated Press agency quoted Garner as saying: "Through dialogue, we can examine opportunities that can be mutually beneficial. We must educate our citizenry about prevention and treatment. It doesn't matter if its in an African city or here in Hempstead."