Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - July 6, 2005
Off target: With just six months to go before the end of the year, it seems unlikely that the World Health Organisation's (WHO) campaign to put three million people in the developing world on anti-Aids drugs by the end of 2005 will be met.
An estimated one million people are currently receiving anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment, according to the third progress report on the "3 by 5" initiative, released by the WHO and UNAids. This figure fell short of the 1,6-million target set by the two organisa-tions for June 2005.
African governments have cranked up the roll-out of ARVs to their HIV-positive citizens and about half a million people in sub-Saharan Africa are currently receiving medication - a three-fold increase in the past 12 months.
However, the demand for treatment was "outstripping" the capacity of most African countries to supply it, according to the report. It highlights an "urgent need" for increased resources and technical support to maintain momentum.
Despite the progress that has been achieved, children are still neglected by most national treatment programmes, and the WHO and UNAids estimate that an 660 000 children globally need access to ARVs.
Financial constraints remain a major obstacle to obtaining treatment, the report warns. It further stresses that pushing to expand access to ARVs in poorer countries "did not begin, and will not end with 3 by 5".
050706
MG050704
Copyright © 2005 - Daily Mail & Guardian. For information about the content or for permission to redistribute, publish or use for broadcast, contact the publisher.
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, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation 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Always watch for outdated information.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. .