G8 to raise global HIV/AIDS aid to $60 billion

The Group of Eight industrialized nations have struck a deal to increase their global aid for the fight against HIV/ AIDS and tuberculosis to $60 billion, a G8 diplomat said on Friday.

"The issue is now fixed. The text is agreed," the diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "The agreement within the G8 will follow the U.S. proposal to increase the aid for fighting these diseases to $60 billion in the forthcoming years with $30 billion coming from the U.S."

Merkel will make the deal public within the next few hours on the final day of a G8 summit after a meeting with African leaders.