Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - Monday, November 28, 2005
Terry Leonard
The goal, set by the World Health Organization in 2003, would be missed by about 1 million people, according to the 90-page report by the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition.
The report blamed inadequate leadership at the national level, inefficient collaboration on a global scale, severe shortages of health workers, lack of funding, bureaucratic delays and a pervasive stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS.
The report focused on six of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic _ the Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia and South Africa.
Chris Collings, a spokesman for the coalition, said the report was not meant to highlight the failure to meet the WHO goals, but to open serious discussions with governments, the United Nations and groups providing treatment on how to improve access to treatment.
Less than 50 percent of people needing antiretroviral treatment have received it, the report said.
In most countries, widespread stigma against people living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has hampered treatment efforts, as does insufficient resources and a lack of knowledge about treatment.
In the Dominican Republic, bureaucratic delays and power struggles between agencies delayed implementation of a Global Fund grant for months, while delivery of antiretrovirals is still hampered by a lack of political leadership, the report said.
In India, many seeking care are forced to travel long distances, and shortfalls in funding and resources threaten efforts to expand treatment, it said.
Treatment in Russia was hampered by a faulty drug procurement system and a lack of collaboration among providers.
"In South Africa, the government continues to drag its feet," the report said.
Fatima Hassan, who works with the AIDS Law Practice in South Africa, said both President Thabo Mbeki and Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang had been accused of not showing enough leadership on the issue.
South Africa has rolled out an AIDS treatment campaign in each of its provinces, but the results have been uneven, Hassan said.
"There is a huge gap between those who need treatment and those who are receiving it," Hassan said.
051128
AP051157
Copyright © 2005 - 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, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .