The UK will spend �1.5bn fighting Aids over the next three years

It will also double its contribution to the Global Fund to fight Aids, TB and Malaria over the next three years to �150m.

The plans were announced by Prime Minister Tony Blair and International Development Secretary Hilary Benn.

It follows last week's pledge by Chancellor Gordon Brown to spend �1.5bn fighting Aids over three years.

'Vulnerable people'

Outlining the plans, Mr Blair said the money would go to those most affected by the disease.

"We have placed a special focus on the needs of women, young people and orphans in this strategy. These are the people most vulnerable to AIDS in the developing world," he said.

Ignoring the issue of Aids is simply not an option Prime Minister Tony Blair

"Ignoring the issue of Aids is simply not an option. This is a tragedy that spans personal and global scales and it is appalling that life expectancy in some of the worst affected areas is falling back to pre-1950 levels."

He added: "But this is not just about the millions of personal and family tragedies appalling though these are. Already fragile economies are seeing their working age populations destroyed.

"Quite simply, we cannot hope to tackle poverty on a global scale without addressing Aids. Today's strategy will place Britain at the forefront of this response."

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said the extra money would help to deliver real improvements.

"Every year more than three million people die from Aids. The international community has made some progress in tackling the pandemic, but not nearly enough," he said.

"The UK is committed to supporting national governments take forward a combination of approaches, balancing the urgent need to prevent new HIV infections with efforts to treat and care for people with HIV and Aids."

He added: "It is only through a comprehensive response to Aids that we will be able to meet our broader development goals, as well as to help people affected by the tragedy of Aids."

Dr Peter Piot, executive director of UNAIDS, welcomed the UK investment.

He said: "This is a qualitative step forward, and demonstrates the scale of leadership needed if we are to turn this crisis around.

"With its significantly increased financial contribution, the strategy reinforces the United Kingdom's position as a pre-eminent global Aids funder."

The HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust welcomed the funding, but warned more action was need to tackle the virus in the UK.

Nick Partridge, chief executive, said: "The government is showing real commitment and leadership in the international fight against HIV and Aids.

"However, it is very clear that the domestic HIV epidemic is still not being given the priority it deserves."