Mumbai: Lamenting that acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) awareness campaign initiated by him two years back had "made little headway", Hollywood superstar Richard Gere on December 20 emphasised that India did not need Microsoft head Bill Gates or him to fight the dreaded disease and Indians could do it themselves.

"Indians comprise 30 per cent of medical fraternity in the United States and they do not need Gere or Gates to combat the disease," Gere said at a crowded press conference, adding "you (Indians) can do it yourself".

The 'Pretty Woman' star was alluding to the Gates Foundation's much publicised financial assistance for countering AIDS on his second trip to this country in recent times to create awareness against the disease.

But the 52-year-old Hollywood celebrity was critical when he said he had to come back to India again this year as the "energy invested" by him in creating awareness against AIDS in 2001 has not resulted in moving ahead.

Elaborating as to how he was drawn in his fight against the disease, Gere recalled that a phone call from his friend in a New York hotel in 1987 informing him that the latter had contacted AIDS compelled him to take up the cause of creating awareness against the epidemic.

However, Gere noted that "Due to efforts of organisations like Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS foundation, his friend is alive and working creatively."

PTI