Recent research suggests that circumcision may protect some men and their sexual partners from contracting the disease.

Referring to ongoing trials, Clinton said that if the results show circumcision is an effective way to prevent the spread of the disease and save lives, "we will have a big job to do."

"I know the scientific jury is still out. I know a couple more studies are being done. But should this be shown to be effective, we will have another means to prevent the spread of the disease and to save lives," he said.

Circumcision is associated with religious identity in India, where Muslims are circumcised, but Hindus are not. Persuading the Hindu population to endorse a practice associated with a group that is often regarded as the "enemy" could be difficult.

In Africa, where research already has pointed to the potential benefit of circumcision in curbing the spread of HIV, men have responded with a willingness to undergo the procedure.

In one study, those who opted to be circumcised were found to have lowered their risk of acquiring HIV by 60 percent.

Clinton noted that the momentum of AIDS infection is still unchecked in much of the world, despite advances in treatments. Sixty-five million people have been infected with HIV in the past quarter century, and 25 million have died from it. Only cooperation among governments and international organizations will lead to the necessary funding and research efforts to bring the pandemic to a halt.

The former president also pointed to the need for women to have equality with men and to be empowered to control their own sexual health.

He also remarked that "abstinence-only" programs have been shown to be ineffective.

Clinton promised that he would be involved in the AIDS fight for the long haul.