New Delhi, Nov 21: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today discussed the country's aids programme with former US President Bill Clinton who offered to secure funds from Canada, Ireland and Norway for India's anti-aids initiative. External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and principal secretary to PM Brajesh Mishra also attended the meeting.

"Clinton has agreed to advocate India's aids initiative with Canada, Ireland and Norway during his visit to these countries which may bring some monetary resources for the country," Health Minister Sushma Swaraj said after the luncheon meeting.

The money would be given directly to the government rather than coming through his William J Foundation, Clinton said in the meeting.

The former US President was also informed about the need for more cd4 machines to carry out blood tests for AIDS patients, Swaraj said.
India has only 25 such machines, which costs Rs 25 lakh a piece while the government wants to procure 150 more, she said adding Clinton offered to negotiate for India and cool the order with that from South Africa so that the cost can be brought down.

Bureau Report