A Bradford MP will highlight the need to tackle the Aids crisis at a conference in Wibsey tomorrow.

Gerry Sutcliffe has been invited to address the West Yorkshire Ecumenical Coun-cil at the event which has been organised by Christian Aid and CAFOD.

He will outline the Government's response to the crisis particularly in relation to its strategy for reducing global poverty and inequality.

Shocking statistics reveal that by 2005 more than 100 million people worldwide will be HIV-positive - and more than 70 per cent of those will be in Africa.

Mr Sutcliffe, Labour MP for Bradford South, said the Government was committed to taking a lead and would increase the aid budget to £1.5billion in the next two years. "HIV and Aids is one of the greatest challenges facing the international community today. It is not just an issue of public health but also of reducing global poverty, tackling inequality and political instability," he said.

"The response to the Aids crisis must involve governments, aid agencies, and non-governmental organisations. But it must also involve the mobilisation of civil society and of faith-based organisations. That is why events like this are so important."

The conference will be chaired by The Reverend Paul Flowers, of Bradford, and takes place at the Salvation Army Citadel from 11am.

The director of Christian Aid, Dr Daleep Mukarji, will talk about the catastrophic consequences of Aids but also the signs of hope through the work of charities and volunteers.

Telegraph & Argus readers last year raised thousands of pounds in a joint appeal with UNICEF to help vulnerable youngsters in southern Africa.

"The global HIV and Aids crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today," said Tim Sunderland, Christian Aid's Bradford representative. "But there are things people can do which will make a difference."

Anyone who wants to attend the conference should contact the Christian Aid office on (0113) 244 4764.