Former UN AIDS Envoy Slams G-8 As Morally Bankrupt

Last week, at a summit in Heiligendam, Germany, the G-8 leaders announced a US $60-billion commitment to fight disease in Africa, but Lewis said that funding did not come with a timeline.

Lewis said the leaders only committed the funds `over the coming years.'

``What in the world does that mean?'' Lewis asked.

The G8 countries are spending $120 billion annually to deal with conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but they can't find half that amount to deal with HIV/AIDS, Lewis said.

``What has happened to the moral anchor of this world?,'' he asked.

The G-8 announcement also angered rock-star anti-poverty activists such as Bono and Bob Geldof.

Bono said Canada was among the nations blocking aid for Africa.

He described Prime Minister Stephen Harper as out of step with Canadians who enjoy a prosperous economy and surplus public finances and would like to help others.