The Taoiseach today pledged to increase spending on HIV and other communicable diseases to at least €100 million per year.
Mr Ahern made the pledge during his address to the UN summit on Aids in New York.
Mr Ahern said behind the statistics "lies a grim reality of pain, suffering and destitution," adding that an "uncompromising global leadership and commitment" is needed to make Aids history.
During his address the Taoiseach promised to double Ireland's funding to UNAids to €6 million per year; to increase funding to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria to €20 million this year; and to spend an additional €30 million per year on HIV in partner countries
He said: "If we are to succeed in reversing this epidemic, we must also tackle the stigma and discrimination associated with it."
"As a first step, we will have a National Campaign to combat stigma and discrimination against people infected with HIV in Ireland coinciding with World Aids Day on 1 December this year" he added.
Mr Ahern also stressed his concern at the growth of the epidemic among women. "Too many lives have been needlessly lost already. We must not fail the millions who look to us for help in a spirit of common humanity," Mr Ahern concluded.
Earlier today, Ireland was praised by the United Nations for the role it has played in the global fight against HIV/Aids.
UNAids executive director Dr Peter Piot said the level of Ireland's donations made it a role model for other countries. Dr Piot was speaking during a meeting with Mr Ahern at the UN summit.
"I am deeply appreciative of the role played by Irish people in the fight against this terrible epidemic," he said. Ireland recently doubled its core contribution to UNAids to €6 million.
"This type of support is critical as we work to promote a more long-term, strategic and sustainable response to Aids," Dr Piot said.
"The prominent position that the response to HIV and Aids has in the overall development policy of Irish Aid, is a model for other donors."
Mr Ahern returns to Ireland today from a 48-hour visit to New York where he also held talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.