Bono urges the US to help Africa fight Aids

Bono is calling on the US to ease African nations' debt burden and help them fight the spread of Aids.

He says Americans can help save millions of lives by giving Africans Aids-fighting medicines that are already available in the West.

He told a news conference in Cincinnati: "To reach the people, we need the church, the media, the colleges. It's a real opportunity for the United States to show off what it can do."

He began the tour to promote US aid for Africa last week in Lincoln, Nebraska, and will conclude it this weekend with stops in Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee.

Bono says Western nations can also help by forgiving African debt, which he says will release millions of dollars that Africa now pays in interest.

The U2 singer believes this cash could be used for health care and education.

Bono has met with President George W Bush and toured Africa with then-Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill this year to lobby for support.

Bono said he was saddened to learn that O'Neill had resigned from his Cabinet post.

"He came to see the problem in the field," Bono said, referring to O'Neill's visit to Africa. "I'm sure he will continue to fight for change."