War on Aids

The United Nations’ Aids agency admits it made a mistake when estimating the number of people across the globe, who are HIV positive. The agency has reduced the number from 40 million to 33 million. Revised figures for India account for much of the decrease, although the UN has warned against complacency in the fight against the disease.

 

The UN has warned against complacency in the fight against the disease [GALLO/GETTY]

UNAids executive director Dr Peter Piot said: “The improved data presents us with a clearer picture of the Aids epidemic, one that reveals both challenges and opportunities.

 

“Unquestionably, we are beginning to see a return on investment. But we must expand our efforts in order to significantly reduce the impact of Aids worldwide.”

We ask is it just a mistake corrected or a significant progress in the fight against Aids?

We also look at prevention measures, particularly in poor countries and African sub-Saharan communities.

 

We explore the domestic claims made in a number of countries of developing effective anti-Aids drugs, and whether the UN is taking them seriously.