Some 34 percent said the global spread of AIDS should be the top concern, and 23 percent said Africa should be the main focus of aid efforts.

CNN: Survey: Tsunami fails to deter tourists

Any campaign would be likely to draw on the experience of the 1980s, when the government highlighted the need to practice safe sex as concern about HIV and Aids grew.

BBC: Condoms

Is the hesitation to accept the invitation over any concern that the President may not be well received in efforts to address the global AIDS epidemic?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

AIDS, refugees and wars were all on the agenda, and there were signs that the new concern was not just a 31-day wonder.

ECONOMIST: Hopeless Africa