"It's a day for the world to recognize the fact that there are 39 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and a day to remember the fact that 25 million people have died of AIDS," said Bush.

"It's a day, as well, for the United States to remember that we have a duty to do something about this epidemic, this pandemic."

Bush and first lady Laura Bush met in the Roosevelt Room with Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Mark Dybul and community leaders from the United States and Africa.

The president reiterated that his country is committed to helping solve the problem by dedicating a lot of resources to the battle against HIV/AIDS. The American taxpayers have funded over 15 billion U.S. dollars for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program to help save lives.

The Bush initiative committed 15 billion U.S. dollars over five years to support treatment for 2 million people, prevention for 7 million and care for 10 million. The White House said that today, more than 800,000 people are receiving lifesaving drugs.

Bush also called on the Congress to reauthorize the Ryan White Act, which is an important piece of legislation that will enable the United States to continue fight against HIV/AIDS domestically.The bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The pandemic of HIV/AIDS can be defeated, and the United States is willing to take the lead in that fight," Bush said at the roundtable discussion.

"But we can't do it alone, and so for our international partners, we appreciate what you do. For the faith-based community,we thank you for hearing the universal call to love a neighbor. And for the taxpayers, we appreciate your generosity in showing the world the good heart and compassion of the American people."