[e-laser] news roundup 1

[mauro]

BMJ  2005;330:212 (29 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7485.212-b News Campaign to expand access to antiretrovirals faces major obstacles Fiona Fleck Geneva The number of patients receiving lifesaving antiretroviral drugs in poor countries rose to an estimated 700 000 in December 2004 from 440 000 in July, boosted by progress in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, the joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS. The agencies said that their "3 by 5" campaign—to get three million people in developing countries taking the drugs by the end of 2005—had met its 2004 targets but that it must overcome a number of obstacles to get treatment to the remaining 2.3 million people. The target of three million people is nearly half the estimated 5.8 million people with HIV or AIDS in developing countries who may die unless they receive treatment soon. Of some 5.1 million remaining adults who need the treatment, 72% live in sub-Saharan Africa and 22% in Asia. Three countries alone—South Africa, Nigeria, and India—represented 41% of those needing treatment, they said. WHO said that an estimated $3.5bn (£1.9bn; 2.7bn) to $3.8bn was needed in 2005 to achieve the target. However, to date only $1.55bn is available, based on existing commitments and pledges, leaving a shortfall of $2bn. See the "3 by 5" Progress Report at www.who.int/3by5/progressreport05/en

<<inline: euro.gif>>

--
www.e-laser.org
Laser@inventati.org