MEXICO CITY, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. President Bill Clinton on Monday urged not to undervalue the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention during his speech at the 17th International AIDS Conference held here Sunday.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City Aug. 4, 2008. The conference will run from Aug. 3 till Aug. 8.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Clinton said AIDS "is a very big dragon... and we are here for that reason," adding that to fight against this evil, the treatment and prevention must go together.

    This "dragon" must be slain by health and education systems, he said.

    Clinton said the homeless people infected with HIV/AIDS have rights to gain treatment when a group of protestors entered the building with banners reading "homeless with AIDS, help us."

    He also said his foundation will help the HIV/AIDS-infected women.

    Women have already suffered violence problem and also has to face this disease. "That is why I'm supporting the creation of a new agency for women in the United Nations," Clinton said.

    The conference, which will end on Aug. 8, is the first such meeting to take place in Latin America with more than 22,000 scientists, policymakers and field workers attending.