FREDERICTON - Former UN envoy Stephen Lewis says he's concerned about western countries poaching nurses from developing countries, where they are needed in the battle against the AIDS pandemic.

Speaking to a conference of nurses in Fredericton, Lewis said countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, are recruiting trained nurses from countries like Swaziland.

He says some African nurses are coming to Canada, but not in the numbers being actively recruited by the U.K.

Lewis does encourage Canadian nurses to spend some time lending their expertise to the AIDS battle.

Tricia Parker is one of a number of New Brunswick nursing students who say they are considering ways they can help.

The New Brunswick Nurses Union donated more than $15,000 dollars to Lewis's organization following his speech.