Former South African president Mr Nelson Mandela called today for AIDS victims to be given access to drugs that fight the disease and said heads of state must take the lead in raising awareness of the illness.
"Nothing threatens us more today than HIV/AIDS...AIDS is a scourge threatening to undo all the gains we made in our generations of struggle," Mr Mandela said at a public appearances to mark World Aids Day.
He said provision of necessary drugs was the first step to halting the spread of the epidemic.
Mr Mandela (83) cuddled infected and dying children at the home and answered questions from black and white school children at a community meeting hall later in neighboring Nyanga.
Africa's most respected statesman insisted repeatedly in his answers to the children's questions that the government should provide drugs to prolong the lives of people already infected with HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS.
"We must combine various strategies, firstly giving people the necessary drugs to try and prevent the disease taking the upper hand," he said.
Mr Mandela said heads of state should lead the fight against AIDS, which has infected more than 40 million people worldwide.
"Heads of state and their first ladies must be in the forefront of the campaign to fight AIDS," Mr Mandela said, naming the leaders of Botswana, Uganda and Senegal as role models.
South Africa has more people living with HIV/AIDS than any other country in the world - close to five million people or one in nine of the population are affected. Today hundreds of gatherings were held across South Africa to mark World Aids Day.
In Vatican city, Pope John Paul said today people with AIDS should not feel alone in their suffering, adding he supported those trying to find a cure.
"Dear brothers and sisters who are suffering from AIDS, do not feel alone," the Pope said, addressing a health voluntary workers symposium held at the Vatican on World AIDS Day.
"The Church is close to the scientists and encourages all who untiringly try to heal and defeat this serious illness," the pontiff added.
He also called for greater public awareness of the causes and consequences of AIDS.