Accurate health statistics are elusive in Nigeria, but experts estimate that between 3.5 million and five million people here have contracted the HIV virus which leads to AIDS and that the number is increasing rapidly.

The signing of a memorandum of understanding in Abuja on Monday was witnessed by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former US president Bill Clinton, an official statement said here.

Health Minister Eyitayo Lambo signed for Nigeria, while Ira Magaziner signed for the Foundation.

Under the deal, Nigeria will be included in the Foundation's procurement consortium and benefit from its negotiated supplier agreements to reduce the prices of HIV/AIDS drugs.

"The Clinton Foundation will also assist Nigeria in expanding access to pediatric HIV/AIDS care and treatment by facilitating access to pediatric anti-retrovirial drugs and providing technical assistance," the statement said.

The Foundation will help Nigeria to mobilise financial resources from donor governments, other foundations, multilateral organisations, private corporations and individuals and to fund HIV/AIDS interventions.

"Where possible, the government will ... be expected to facilitate exemption from taxes and duties for equipment, materials, services and drugs required for the implementation of its partnership with the Clinton Foundation," the statement said.

Clinton called for concerted efforts to fight AIDS. "We cannot stop the spread of AIDS without building the capacity of governments, without NGOs working with governments.

"My contribution is basically to give the least expensive high-quality AIDS medicine in the world to children and adults," he said.

Clinton is in Nigeria to attend a four-day African investment summit which opened in Abuja on Monday. The summit is backed by the US-based Leon H. Sullivan Foundation.

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