Bono Urges US Congress to Fight AIDS, Poverty

U2 front man and ceaseless voice for the vulnerable of this world, Bono has met with incoming Democratic leaders of the US Congress as he continues his drive to keep AIDS and poverty in the public and political spotlight.

According to lawmakers in Washington DC, Bono met with House of Representatives Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi and incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to "discuss the importance of increased funding for global AIDS and poverty initiatives," reports AFP.

Bono already went to the White House in February this year to ask President George W. Bush for more US aid to end world poverty.

The rock superstar and anti-poverty campaigner recently met with Australian Treasurer Peter Costello to lobby Canberra to increase its foreign aid to poverty stricken countries.

The meeting was orchestrated by the Rev Tim Costello, head of World Vision Australia and renowned Christian speaker.

Bono also recently launched the RED campaign together with philanthropist Bobby Shriver to bring big businesses and customers into the fight against HIV and Aids. Corporate giants Amex, Apple, Armani, Gap, Converse and Motorola have all signed up and brought out special RED products.

A percentage of the sale of these products goes straight to the Global Fund which was set up in 2002 with the specific purpose of fighting HIV and AIDS. The campaign has already raised more than £5m.