Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - Sunday December 9, 2001
Brahima Ouedraogo, Associated Press Writer
President Blaise Compaore's comments came as experts from around the world met in the capital, Ouagadougou, to discuss reducing the cost of drugs for those already infected with AIDS and finding a vaccine.
"Treatments remain the property of the North, and the sick are left to the South," Compaore said at the opening of the 12th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Africa.
About 40 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to U.N. figures. About 28 million of them live in sub-Saharan Africa, where the epidemic continues to spread rapidly.
Last year, Africa reported 2.3 million deaths and 3.4 million new infections.
UNAIDS says the disease has reduced life expectancies to less than 40 years in some of the worst-affected countries, including Botswana and Swaziland.
The U.N. agency also warns that some African countries could lose more than 20 percent of their gross domestic product by 2020.
"AIDS is not just another disease. It is the worst pandemic humanity has ever faced, and it is at the heart of the future development and identity of Africa," UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot told the conference.
He urged African leaders to increase spending, saying $4.6 billion annually was needed to fight the disease - including $3 billion on treatment.
Nearly 5,000 people - including scientists, politicians, aid workers and traditional healers from 61 countries - are attending the five-day conference. Also present are representatives from some of the world's major pharmaceutical companies.
Under pressure to help the countries most ravaged by AIDS, drug companies this year announced a series of agreements to supply cut-rate HIV drugs in Africa.
But even at reduced prices, only some 30,000 people can afford treatment in Africa, according to UNAIDS.
"Africa will continue to be where most people die of AIDS, if the number of those eligible for treatment remains limited," said Ibra Doye, a representative of the African Union Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
The conference, held every other year, will also evaluate global progress on the search for an AIDS vaccine.
011209
AP011210
Copyright © 2001 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .