Apple is among a handful of firms to join the Product Red scheme

Armani, Motorola and Apple are among those to join the scheme, donating part of sales to the Global Fund against Aids, Malaria and Tuberculosis.

While private sector contribution has been boosted by the brand, the number of firms signing up remains limited.

In Africa more than 33 million people are living with HIV/Aids.

Other brands to have joined the partnership include Gap, Converse and Hallmark. American Express has signed up but only in the UK.

Treatment

Up to 50% of profits from the sale of selected goods goes to the fund.

Before Product Red was launched by Bono and Bobby Shriver of Debt AIDS Trade in Africa (DATA), private sector donations to the fund had reached just $6m. The current level of donations marks an eight-fold increase.

"Product Red has brought about a major change in the way the private sector contributes to the Global Fund," said Michael Kazatchkine, executive director of the Global Fund.

"The contribution of Product Red partners have already enabled thousands to benefit from Aids treatments, prevention and care."

However the amount donated to date is small when compared with what the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has donated to fight HIV/Aids.

In October the foundation, which had assets in the region of $33bn at the end of 2006, announced it would provide $20m over four years for the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise.