Voice of America - December 1, 2005
Lisa Ferdinando
Washington

World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has called for increased international action in fighting HIV / AIDS, and said the international community has fallen short of a goal to provide treatment to millions of people.

During World AIDS Day in 2003, the United Nations and the World Health Organization unveiled a plan to provide HIV / AIDS treatment to three million people by the end of 2005.

Speaking Thursday in Washington, Mr. Wolfowitz said that the goal has not been met and treatment remains out of reach for all, but a small percentage of those living with HIV.

"Today, one million people in low- and middle-income countries are receiving treatment," he noted. "It's more than doubled since the end of 2003, but it is still far short of the target and even further short of the need."

Mr. Wolfowitz said more than three million people have died of AIDS-related illnesses so far this year, and more than 40 million people are living with HIV globally, the highest number since the pandemic began more than two decades ago.

The World Bank president said sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the worst hit region, with 26 million infections. He said more needs to be done in fighting HIV/AIDS globally.

"Throughout the developing world, the combination of AIDS and extreme poverty compounds the tragedy," he added. "It's a reminder to all of us that this disease is not merely a health problem, but a global development challenge that cuts across all sectors and holds back entire countries."

Mr. Wolfowitz also called for cooperation among international development agencies, civil society organizations and national governments in addressing and fighting HIV/AIDS.

On Wednesday, the World Bank launched a new AIDS action plan that calls for increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs. It also aims to help countries effectively target and address how and where the virus is being spread.

051201
VA051209

Copyright © 2005 - Voice of America. You are welcome to use any material that is published by voanews.com, or you may link to any of the web pages that Voice of America has published on the internet. There is no need to request further permission. Should you wish to establish a link to any VOA web pages, please send your request to pubaff@ibb.gov. We would appreciate that credit for any use of VOA material be given to voanews.com, Voice of America, or VOA, and we ask that you not abridge or edit any VOA material which you may use.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund, 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. .