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UN Report Shows AIDS Epidemic Spreading

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 November 2006, 12:01 CST

The AIDS epidemic is still far outpacing efforts to control it, according to the UNAIDS report on the epidemic released today. Nearly a half million more people became infected in 2006 compared to 2004, with a total of 39.5 million people now living with the virus.

"We are not on track to reach the goals the world has set on the response to this crisis," said Dr. Paul Zeitz, Executive Director of the Global AIDS Alliance. "This report reminds us that the solemn promises on AIDS made earlier this year must be taken seriously, otherwise millions more will be consigned to unnecessary death. Candlelight vigils alone will not save these people. We need governments to keep their promises to provide essential services."

[Experts will give a WORLD AIDS DAY PREVIEW by telephone, on Tuesday, November 28 at 12noon ET (9am Los Angeles; 5pm London; 6pm Geneva). This briefing will include Mary Robinson (Ethical Globalization Initiative), Marcel van Soest (World AIDS Campaign), Sipho Mthati (Treatment Action Campaign), and an expert on the health care worker shortage. The call will be moderated by Dr. Paul Zeitz, Global AIDS Alliance. Topics will include the promises made this year on AIDS, practical ways of stopping violence against women, the severe shortage of healthcare workers, and the future of PEPFAR. For info on how to call in contact dbryden@globalaidsalliance.org or sspeicher@e-alliance.ch]

Striking increases took place in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where the number of people newly infected by HIV jumped by 70% in 2006. Two-thirds of infections in this region are due to use of non-sterile injecting drug use equipment. US policy currently prohibits the use of US funds for proven effective needle exchange programs.

The report cited evidence that Uganda, which had scored some success in the fight against AIDS, is now seeing an increase in new HIV infection rates in some areas. The epidemic continues to grow in Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland. But, on a hopeful note, it also reported that in some countries, such as Kenya and Malawi, young people have significantly reduced sexual behaviors that place them at risk. In Kenya, HIV prevalence among young pregnant women has fallen by 25%.

 Contact: David Bryden 1-202-789-0432 x 211 Mobile: 202-549-3664  

SOURCE: Global AIDS Alliance

Source: MARKET WIRE

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